Self-reported skin morbidities and health-related quality of life: a population-based nested case-control study

Dermatology. 2014;228(3):261-8. doi: 10.1159/000358009. Epub 2014 Mar 7.

Abstract

Background: Impaired dermatological health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been observed in hospital-based studies, but little is known on a population-based level.

Objective: To investigate self-reported dermatological HRQoL in the general population.

Methods: Hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, pimples, hand rash or atopic eczema were identified using questionnaires in a 15,177 person population sample. A nested case-control study of 180 cases and 259 controls was made using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Skindex-29 and EQ-5D.

Results: Cases had higher scores in DLQI and Skindex-29 and a lower score in EQ-5D, suggesting lower HRQoL. Adjusting for age and sex, the differences in Skindex-29 and DLQI were significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Persons with self-reported skin morbidity had lower HRQoL than the general population. The impairment is not as significant as in studies of hospital-based cases, but considering the high prevalence of skin diseases it may still represent a significant burden of disease on society in aggregate.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology
  • Acne Vulgaris / psychology
  • Acne Vulgaris / therapy
  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chronic Disease
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Denmark
  • Eczema / pathology
  • Eczema / psychology
  • Eczema / therapy
  • Female
  • Hand Dermatoses / pathology
  • Hand Dermatoses / psychology
  • Hand Dermatoses / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Psoriasis / psychology
  • Psoriasis / therapy
  • Quality of Life*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Self Report*
  • Sex Factors
  • Sickness Impact Profile
  • Skin Diseases / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases / psychology*
  • Skin Diseases / therapy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Young Adult