Assessing Quality of Life in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: A Case-Control Study.

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, itchy inflammatory disease that significantly affects quality of life (QoL). Assessing this impact is essential for optimal management. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of AD on QoL in affected patients and their families. Methods: We conducted a case-control study at the Monastir Dermatology Department over 4 months (September-December 2022), including 100 patients with the disease and 100 controls. QoL was assessed using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (>15 years), Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) (5-15 years), IDQOL (<5 years), and Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) for families. Results: The median age of patients and controls was 13.5 years, with a female predominance (F/H ratio = 1.32). The median onset age was 5 years. QoL was significantly worse in patients with AD and their families. CDLQI and DLQI showed moderate positive correlations with Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD) (P = 0.004; r = 0.434 and P = 0.033; r = 0.322), while DFI had a strong correlation (P < 0.001; r = 0.575), reflecting the family burden. Beyond disease severity, QoL was influenced by pruritus intensity, socioeconomic status, environmental factors, and eczema extent, topography, and appearance. Conclusions: AD significantly impacts patients' and families' QoL. Specific QoL assessment scales are essential for optimizing management.