The impact of acne vulgaris on the quality of life in Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was done to determine the impact of acne vulgaris on the quality of life in Sarawak, Malaysia and to examine its relationship with acne severity. Quality of life was measured in 173 patients using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The mean DLQI score was 4.1 which was not dissimilar to that of psoriasis locally. Patients with family income <USD 1000/month had higher mean DLQI scores (4.8 vs. 3.2, p = 0.02). There was also a tendency for indigenous groups to have higher DLQI scores compared to Chinese although it was not significant (4.5 vs. 3.5, p = 0.15). Females were significantly more impaired in the domains of symptoms and feelings (2.1 vs. 1.5, p = 0.02); and work and school (0.3 vs. 0.2, p = 0.04). DLQI was weakly correlated with acne severity in patients mild acne (Pearson coefficient = 0.27, p = 0.01) but become insignificant for patients with moderate and severe acne. No correlation was seen between DLQI and age of patients. In conclusion, acne should view as a psychologically disabling disease by health care professionals and administrators requiring optimal management and resource allocation. Education of junior doctors and medical student is also important.