PS60 Assessment of quality of life in dermatological conditions in the Philippines: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Quality of life (QoL) is one of the most frequent outcome measures used to assess clinical improvement in dermatology. In the Philippines, where dermatological care is seen as more of a privilege and not as part of basic health, understanding the QoL burden of dermatological disease is essential in addressing this long-standing health gap. The objective of this study is to systematically review published dermatological studies carried out in the Philippines that included QoL as one of the outcome measures, specifically identifying the instrument used, level of impairment measured in patients, and variables associated with QoL outcomes. A comprehensive literature search following the PRISMA guidelines was done in international (MEDLINE) and local (HERDIN) databases. To minimize publication bias, studies were also hand searched in local, society-specific journals. The search strategy employed was (quality of life/ OR QoL OR DLQI) AND dermatolog* AND (Philippine* OR Filipin*), except in local databases, where the last search item was not used. In total 93 records were identified. Following screening based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies were included in the review. Conditions studied were psoriasis (n = 7), acne vulgaris (n = 2), atopic dermatitis, scabies, venous ulcers and senile xerosis. All studies used the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) or a version of it (Filipino translation of DLQI or the Filipino translation of the Children’s DLQI). Baseline DLQI was highest in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and scabies, and lowest in patients with viral warts. The conditions with the highest mean DLQI were erythroderma, atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. Variables associated with significantly worse QoL outcomes include disease severity, age groups (19–30 years, 51–60 years), comorbidities, psoriatic arthritis and genital psoriasis. The psychological impact of dermatological conditions cannot be overstated. This comprehensive review reveals significant QoL impairment in patients, highlighting the need for holistic dermatological care.