Impact of Dermatological Diseases on the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Background:  Dermatological disorders pose a substantial health burden in the world with the skin treatments being the 4th largest cause of non-fatal diseases. In childhood, these ailments have a significant effect on the quality of life of the children in the most crucial stages of development. However, only a few studies have established the linkage of these two factors among the people in South Asia. Objective:  To assess how dermatological diseases affect the quality of life in children and adolescents based on a validated tool Children Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and what factors are related to a higher degree of impairment. Methods:  The study was carried out as a cross-sectional study at Punjab Rangers Teaching Hospital Lahore, Pakistan between 1st April – 30th April 2024. Total 122 children and adolescents between 4-16 years of age with dermatological conditions were selected. The CDLQI questionnaire that is seen as a good measurement of the quality of life was also used in Urdu. Statistical methods involved descriptive statistics, the chi-square and the independent sample t-tests. Results:  CDLQI score average 14.2 was used where a higher point means a greater impact on life quality; therefore above 12 points are considered a very large effect. 80.4 per cent of the respondents reported moderate effects and above, which are extremely large. The most common (42.6%) disorder was eczema that had the highest mean CDLQI score (15.8 += 5.2). The group of middle childhood (6-10 years) also exhibited a high degree of impairment (mean CDLQI: 15.2 + 6.9) than other age groups (p = 0.042). There were no significant gender variations (p = 0.676). The type of disease was moderately related to the categories of CDLQI (p = 0.004). Conclusion:  Dermatological illness negatively affects the quality of life in children particularly suffering from eczema and the period of middle childhood being the most dangerous variables. These results underscore the need of regular quality-of-life evaluation and age-related comprehensive interventions in the practice of pediatric dermatology.