Korean J Dermatol.
1998 Oct;36(5):850-854.
A Study on Quality of Life of Patients with Acne
Abstract
-
BACKGROUND: Acne is a common chronic disease which most frequently affects the face. This visibility is a major cause for concern in affected individuals.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of life of patients with acne.
METHODS
We interviewed 130 acne patients, and determined the impact of acne on the quality of life with a questionnare.
RESULTS
Among 130 cases of acne, the numbers of male and female patients were 52(40.0%) and 78(60.0%) respectively, and tbe mean age was 21 years. There was no difference between the sexes in the quality of life criteria used. The scores of social criteria of patients older than 20 years were significantly higher than thme of patients younger than 20 years. The severity of facial acne was correlated with the severity of chest acne but not with that of back acne. The severity of chest acne was correlated with that of back acne. The severity of facial acne was correlated with the scores of the physical, social and psychological criteria, and the severity of chest acne was correlated with that of physical and social criteria. However, the severity of back acne was not correlated with those of any of the criteria. The psychological well-being of the patients was moderately or highly affected by the acne more often than the other criteria.
CONCLUSION
Acne has a substantial impact on the quality of life. The practical use of these indices are: (1) reveal areas of particulur concern in patients with acne; (2) to identify individuals who may require more intensive treaiment; and (3) to give a patient oriented inforrnation on the quality of life expected.
