Evaluation of Quality of Life in First-Degree Relatives of Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Using Family Dermatology Life Quality Index

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the quality of life (QoL) of afflicted patients. This current study was designed to assess the QoL of first-degree relatives of HS patients and the various associated parameters.

Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study at the Outpatient Dermatology Clinics of Shahid Faghihi Hospital and Imam Reza Clinic, affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, from 2021 to 2022. Thirty-nine first-degree relatives of thirty-nine patients with HS were selected to enter this cross-sectional study, through the census sampling method. The Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) was used to determine the scores.

Results: A total of 39 patients (24 men and 15 women) with HS were included in the present study. The mean total score of the FDLQI questionnaire was 9.10 ± 6.77, which indicates a moderate impact on the QoL of the first-degree relatives of HS patients. In HS patients with underlying diseases, FDLQI scores were greater. Other first-degree relatives had a higher average overall FDLQI score than the patient’s spouse. Comorbid first-degree relatives showed considerably higher FDLQI scores than those without. FDLQI scores increased with first-kin age.

Conclusion: The FDLQI score of first-degree relatives of HS patients is considerably affected by any other underlying condition. Additionally, FDLQI scores were substantially associated with the first-degree relative’s relationship with the patient (spouse vs. other relation) and the patient’s and relative’s underlying diseases.