Abdul Malik Hooshmand; Nasar Ahmad Shayan
Abstract
Background: Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary disorder of the skin. Although predominantly asymptomatic and not life-threatening, vitiligo may considerably affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). It has been suggested that vitiligo patients suffer from low selfesteem and poor body image, which may ...
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Background: Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary disorder of the skin. Although predominantly asymptomatic and not life-threatening, vitiligo may considerably affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). It has been suggested that vitiligo patients suffer from low selfesteem and poor body image, which may cause a lower level of QoL. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitiligo on patients’ QoL in Herat, Afghanistan.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Hooshmand Skin and Cosmetic Hospital and the associated phototherapy center from November 2015 to April 2017. A total of 170 patients above 16 years of age were recruited. A valid translated Persian version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was completed by subjects, and data were collected using structured datasheets.Result: On average, patients were 27.84 ± 10.74 years old, and 40.6% were males. The overall mean DLQI score was 9.72 ± 5.82, including 9.93 ± 4.64 in women and 9.42 ± 6.11 in men. The DLQI score was significantly related to the age, type of disease, treatment history, and employment status. Compared to males’, females’ QoL was more impaired in feeling (Q2) and type of clothing (Q4) (P = 0.020 and P = 0.021, respectively).Conclusion: Vitiligo patients showed a moderate limitation in their QoL. Hence, the managing team should focus on the QoL and psychosocial well-being of vitiligo patients in addition to their clinical condition.
Layegh Pouran; Nahidi Yalda; Malekzadeh Iman; Shakeri Mohammad Taghi
Volume 16, Issue 3 , 2013, , Pages 100-104
Abstract
Background: Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease causedby autoantibodies against desmoglein. It clinically presents withpainful blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes.Few studies have been conducted on the quality of life inpemphigus patients which have all indicated the strong impactof ...
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Background: Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease causedby autoantibodies against desmoglein. It clinically presents withpainful blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes.Few studies have been conducted on the quality of life inpemphigus patients which have all indicated the strong impactof the disease on emotional and physical status of the patients.According to evident differences in the culture and quality oflife between our society and western societies, we assessed thequality of life in patients with pemphigus in the Northeast of Iran.Method: This study was conducted on 78 pemphigus vulgarispatients who were visited or hospitalized in the dermatologyclinics of Qaem and Imam Reza Hospitals in Mashhad, Iran.Data collection was done by the Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI) questionnaire in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 11.5 software withChi-square, T-test and ANOVA statistical tests.Result: The disease had a significant impact on the quality oflife in the majority of patients (31 (39.7%) patients). Hospitalizedand newly diagnosed cases and those receiving higher doses ofsteroid had lower quality of life. The patient’s age, sex, educationlevel, and therapeutic regimen did not have a significant effecton the quality of life.Conclusion: Pemphigus is not just a physical disease and hasvarious aspects. It is responsible for many changes in healthrelatedquality of life in patients. Therefore, we will be successfulin treating this disease only when psychological and social aspectsof pemphigus are considered in addition to clinical improvementof the patients.