Impact and Severity of Hand Eczema on Quality of Life among the Patients Attending Dermatology Departments in Hospitals in Sana'a City, Yemen -2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65693/irss.2024.v5i1.424Keywords:
Quality of life (QOL), Hand eczema (HE), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) , Sana'a, Yemen, chronic skin condition.Abstract
Background: Hand eczema is a chronic, debilitating skin condition that affects a significant portion of the population, leading to both physical discomfort and psychological distress.
Objective: To determine the impact of hand eczema and severity on quality of life in Sana'a, Yemen.
Methods: A Research conducted a cross-section descriptive study of Hand eczema patients admitted from 1st Nov 2023 to 30th April 2024 in the conducted at multiple dermatology center of the four major referral and four private Hospitals in Sana'a city, Data Collection utilized structured questionnaires, which included the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI)
Results: The study revealed that 88% of participants were female, with the highest disease prevalence observed in the 21-30 age group (43.4%). Housewives represented the most affected occupational group at 40%, followed by students at 29.8%. A significant proportion of patients reported severe itching and pain that substantially impacted their daily activities, including work performance, social interactions, and personal relationships. Approximately 41% of participants experienced acute symptoms, while over 40% reported elevated levels of embarrassment and self-consciousness due to their condition. No significant correlation between HECSI and DLQI scores. However, a statistically significant association was identified between age and DLQI scores, with patients aged 21-30 years exhibiting the highest mean DLQI scores. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between gender and HECSI scores, indicating that female patients were more susceptible to experiencing severe clinical symptoms.
Conclusion: Hand eczema significantly impairs quality of life for patients in Sana'a, with notable impacts on social and occupational functioning. Effective management strategies are essential to alleviate symptoms and enhance patient well-being.
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