Quality Of Life in Patients with Non-Genital Warts: A Cross-Sectional Study using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) Questionnaire

Abstract

Introduction: Warts are one of the commonest causes for the dermatology outpatient department visits. These are caused by the Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV). Sometime warts can cause significant embarrassment and consequently impair the quality of life.

Materials and Methods: All consenting patients with non-genital warts presenting to the clinic from September 2020 to February 2021 were enrolled in this observational study. Clinical evaluation for non-genital warts, sites involved and patient demographics was recorded. All participants were asked to complete the Nepali Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire.

Results: Out of total 80 patients, 55 (68.8%) were males. The mean age of the study population was 23.86±7.42 years, mean duration was 21.98±26.69 months and the mean DLQI score was 8.0±5.15. The embarrassment or self- consciousness was the most prominent psychological aspect in the patients with the warts, followed closely by the difficulty in carrying out daily household activities. All items measured in DLQI were more impaired in women than in men. Clothing habits and sexual functions were affected based on the site of involvement with the warts. Shorter duration of disease had higher negative impact in the quality of life.

Conclusion: Patients with warts had moderate impact in their quality of life. Females seem to be affected more due to their warts. Shorter duration of disease had higher negative impact in cases of warts.