Assessing the Impact of Acne Vulgaris on Quality of Life: A Study using DLQI Questionnaire

Abstract

Background: Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition of pilosebaceous duct. It is one of the most common dermatoses seen in clinical practice, characterized by open and closed comedones, erythematous papules and pustules, nodules and pseudocysts. Many studies about the psychosocial impact of acne have been reported in international medical literature describing quality of life as a relevant clinical outcome. There is paucity of such data in India. This study was undertaken to detect the impact of acne vulgaris on quality of life (QOL) and to look for correlation between severity and decreased life quality. Aim: To assess impairment in quality of life in patients of acne using DLQI questionnaire. Material and methods: The study was carried out on patients visiting Dermatology outpatient department of a medical college hospital in Delhi NCR over a period of 6 months from January2023 to June 023. Inclusion criteria: All new previously untreated patients, no known underlying psychological disorder, not pregnant/breast feeding. Exclusion criteria: Patients already on treatment, patients less than 18 years of age, patients being treated for other skin or medical disorders, patients who have not completed high school. Effect of acne on quality of life was assessed by DLQI questionnaire. Results were analysed based on DLQI scores according to the key. Results & Conclusion: The impairment in quality of life due to acne was statistically significant.