Abstract

Ramya N.*, Harshitha M., Ranju K. N., Nataraj G. R. and Raghu M. T.

ABSTRACT

Dermatology involves the study of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skindisease. This illness may result in rashes, inflammation, itching, or other changes tothe skin. The DLQI [Dermatology Life Quality Index] scale contains 10questionnaires and is used to assess the quality of life of skin disease patients.Objective: To analyze health -related quality of life using the dermatology lifequality index (DLQI) scale. Materials and Methods: A prospective observationalstudy was carried out for a period of six months at the Dermatology outpatientdepartment of Basaveshwara Medical College Hospital, Chitradurga. Results: Atotal of 206 patient’s data were collected and analysed demographic details andDLQI scale questionnaire. Skin diseases were most commonly seen in females111(53.9%) as compared to males 95 (46.1%), age group between 16-24 (41.3%)years had a common occurrence. The study showed that patient quality of life issignificantly improved in comparison with the first visit result and follow -up visitresult based on the DLQI scale, with a mean value of First visit is 9.25 comparewith follow up visit is 4.89 and P value of 0.001 it indicate highly significantimprovement in patient quality of life. Conclusion: From study conclude that,Quality of life compared from 1st visit to follow up, important to identify patientswho are more likely to have a lower QOL in order to treat them morecomprehensively. Assessment of drug use by analyzing prescribing pattern will riseto awareness of skin disease and enhance quality of life.