Korean J Med Mycol.  1998 Dec;3(2):115-124.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Patient with Toenail Onychomycosis in Korea

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Dermatology, The Catholic University of Korea.
  • 2Department of Dermatology, Konkuk University, Korea.
  • 3Department of Dermatology, Kyungpook National University, Korea.
  • 4Department of Dermatology, Gyeongsang National University, Korea.
  • 5Department of Dermatology, Kyung Hee University, Korea.
  • 6Department of Dermatology, Keimyung University, Korea.
  • 7Department of Dermatology, Korea University, Korea.
  • 8Department of Dermatology, Kosin University, Korea.
  • 9Department of Dermatology, National Medical Center, Korea.
  • 10Department of Dermatology, Dankook University, Korea.
  • 11Department of Dermatology, Catholic University of Taegu-Hyosung, Korea.
  • 12Department of Dermatology, Marynoll Hospital, Korea.
  • 13Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University, Korea.
  • 14Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University, Korea.
  • 15Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University, Korea.
  • 16Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, Korea.
  • 17Department of Dermatology, Ajou University, Korea.
  • 18Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University, Korea.
  • 19Department of Dermatology, Yonsei Wonju College of Medicine, Korea.
  • 20Department of Dermatology, Yeungnam University, Korea.
  • 21Department of Dermatology, Wonkwang University, Korea.
  • 22Department of Dermatology, Dulji General Hospital, Korea.
  • 23Department of Dermatology, Ewha Womans University, Korea.
  • 24Department of Dermatology, Inje University, Korea.
  • 25Department of Dermatology, Inha University, Korea.
  • 26Department of Dermatology, Chonnam University, Korea.
  • 27Department of Dermatology, Chonbuk National University, Korea.
  • 28Department of Dermatology, Chonju Presbyterian Medical Center, Korea.
  • 29Department of Dermatology, Chosun University, Korea.
  • 30Department of Dermatology, Chung Ang University, Korea.
  • 31Department of Dermatology, Chungnam National University, Korea.
  • 32Department of Dermatology, Korea Verterans Hospital, Korea.
  • 33Department of Dermatology, Hallym University, Korea.
  • 34Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University, Korea.
  • 35Department of Dermatology, Janssen Co. Ltd., Korea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis, especially toenail onychomycosis has become one of the common fungal infection and has historically been regarded as a cosmetic rather than medical problem by many patients, even by physicians. Recently, however, there are several reports that this is a refractory disease which may cause a deleterious effect on patients' quality of life (QOL).
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of toenail onychomycosis on QOL in Korea and to assess the changes of QOL after treatment.
METHODS
Total 1004 patients with toenail onychomycosis which was confirmed by clinical findings and KOH preparation were enrolled at 47 dermatologic centers in Korea, and interviewed with standardized QOL questionnaire before and after systemic antifungal treatment. Responses to the questionnaire were scored by f-point scale (0~4) and averaged, and were analyzed for 5 dimensions of emotional impact, social impact, symptom and functional impact, patients' views concerning treatment, and relationship with doctor.
RESULTS
1. Before and after treatment, the most serious impact was emotional dimension showing 1.90 and 1.30 in average score (AS), and social (AS: 1.14 and 0.83) and symptom and functional impact (AS: 1.05 and 0.92) was also affected. 2. In female rather than male, statistically more significant impact on patients' QOL was observed in all dimensions. 3. After treatment, 3 of 5 dimensions were improved significantly - emotional dimension (AS: from 1.90 to 1.30), social dimension (AS: from 1.14 to 0.83), patients' view concerning treatment(AS: from 1.34 to 1.02) 4. The degree of patients' satisfaction at the therapeutic effect was very high - 62.4% (immediately after. treatment) and 65.8% (9 months after initiation of treatment) of patients answered excellent or good.
CONCLUSION
This study confirms that toenail onychomycosis has significant Impact on the overall QOL of patients. Also the effect of antifungal therapy on patients' QOL were satisfactory. Therefore, both doctor and patient should pay more attention to the treatment of onychomycosis.

Keyword

Toenail onychomycosis; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Female
Humans
Korea*
Male
Nails*
Onychomycosis*
Quality of Life*
Social Change
Surveys and Questionnaires
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