Quality of Life of Melasma Patients in Pakistan

Atiya Rahman; Anam Basit; Sadia Mohsin; Najia Ahmed; Moizza Tahir; Asim Ishfaq

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v72i1.7401

Authors

Atiya Rahman Combined Military Hospital Lahore/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Anam Basit Wapda Teaching Hospital Complex, Lahore Pakistan
Sadia Mohsin Combined Military Hospital Lahore/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Najia Ahmed Pak Naval Ship Shifa Hospital Karachi
Moizza Tahir Combined Military Hospital Gujranwala/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Asim Ishfaq Combined Military Hospital Lahore/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v72i1.7401

Keywords:

Dermatology life quality index (DLQI), DLQI-Urdu version, Impairment, quality of life, Melasma, Melasma area severity index (MASI)

Abstract

Objective: To assess the quality of life in Pakistani melasma patients.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital Lahore, from Oct 2020 to May 2021.

Methodology: The study was conducted on 126 adult patients of both genders by non-probability, consecutive sampling technique. Melasma severity was assessed by 'melasma area severity index (MASI) and quality of life impairment by 'dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

Results: A total of 126 patients participated in the study, out of which 85.7% were females, and 14.3% were males. Mean MASI score was 12.21 ± 6.87, and mean DLQI score was 8.22 ± 7.46. Male patients had higher MASI scores and statistically signifycant DLQI than female patients (p=0.016). Employed people and those from the higher socio-economic group showed a more significant impairment of their quality of life.

Conclusion: There was moderate impairment of quality of life in melasma patients. Healthcare givers need to recognize the effect of melasma on mental health while counselling patients and devising management strategies.