What Health-related Quality of Life Factors Influence the Decision of Patients with Acne to Visit a Dermatologist?

摘要

>Background: Acne is a common dermatologic disease that can have a profound negative impact on a patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL correlates with acne severity in some, but not all, studies. In other words, patients with the same level of acne severity might experience different levels of impact on their HRQoL. >Objective: We aimed to determine which HRQoL factors are negatively affected most in patients with acne who seek dermatologic consultation and treatment for their acne. >Methods: One hundred patients with acne who sought treatment from a dermatologist (“active” patients) and 159 students with a confirmed diagnosis of acne (“passive” patients) who had not sought treatment from a dermatologist were assessed for HRQoL. To avoid differences in acne severity and possible sex differences, patients were matched according to acne severity grade (mild, moderate, or severe) and sex. All patients completed the Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) and Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) questionnaires. >Results: After matching, 75 active patients and 75 passive patients were selected (mean age: 22.04±4.26 years and 21.00±1.82 years, respectively; 11 male and 64 female patients in each group). Total DLQI and CADI scores were significantly higher in “active” patients. All CADI items and seven (out of 10) DLQI items were more affected by acne in the active group compared to the passive group. A significantly greater number of passive patients reported no effect on their HRQoL, compared to the active group, and a significantly greater number of active patients reported that acne had a moderate effect on their lives, compared to the passive group. >Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the effect acne has on HRQoL is a strong predictive factor for patients seeking dermatological consultation, independent from disease severity. Embarrassment; self-consciousness; aggression and frustration; difficulties in social and leisure activities; difficulties in significant relationships with others, including partners, close friends, and/or relatives; and self-assessment of the current state of the skin were the most important predictive factors that influenced the decision for patients with acne to seek treatment from a dermatologist.