A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Survey on the Impact of Congenital Ichthyosis on Lifelong Education and Career

Abstract

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of ichthyosis symptoms on the educational achievement and career choices of adults, or the potential future impact on children. A total of 77 respondents completed a questionnaire assessing the degree to which ichthyosis had impacted, or was expected to impact, their education and career. Responses were categorized as “none,” “somewhat,” or “greatly.” The data were analyzed in relation to the objective severity measures in our previous study, including the Clinical Ichthyosis Score (CIS) and QOL assessments, using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Of the 77 participants, 45.5% reported a great impact, 41.6% reported some impact, and 13.0% reported no impact. A significant positive correlation was observed between the perceived impact and CIS (rs = 0.402, p < 0.001), as well as between the perceived impact and QOL scores (16 ≤ age, rs = 0.462, p < 0.001; 4 ≤ age ≤ 15, rs = 0.822, p < 0.001; age ≤ 3, rs = 0.894, p = 0.106). Symptoms such as itching, pain, and social discomfort were identified as potential cumulative contributors to educational and occupational limitations. The findings suggest that higher disease severity and lower QOL are significantly associated with adverse educational and career outcomes in patients with congenital ichthyosis. (207/300 words).