Usefulness of Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQOL) When Evaluating the Quality of Life in Korean Melasma Patients.
- Author:
Heung Yeol KIM
1
;
Gyeong Hun PARK
;
Eun Ju PARK
;
In Ho KWON
;
Kwang Ho KIM
;
Kwang Joong KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Hallym Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQOL);
Quality of life
- MeSH:
Dermatology;
Female;
Humans;
Linear Models;
Melanosis;
Quality of Life;
Research Personnel;
Track and Field;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2013;51(6):422-428
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Melasma has been shown to have a significant emotional and psychological effect on affected patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of the Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQOL) as compared to Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). METHODS: A total of 74 female patients of melasma were asked to complete a questionnaire of MELASQOL, DLQI, and additional demographic data. The degree of melasma was determined on the basis of clinical photos by the investigator using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). RESULTS: The mean age of these patients was 46.3+/-8.5 years. The mean MELASQOL score was 39.8+/-16.03 and the mean DLQI score 6.7+/-4.41. The MASI and MELASQOL scores showed statistically significant correlations (p<0.01, Pearson correlation=0.373). But, there was no statistically significant correlation between MASI and DLQI scores (p>0.05, Pearson correlation=0.129). Also, multiple linear regression model shows that the correlation of MASI and MELASQOL (standardized coefficient=0.367, p<0.001) is higher than the MASI and DLQI (standardized coefficient= 0.139, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that the MELASQOL could be more relevant and useful than DLQI when evaluating the quality of life for melasma patients. It is presumed that the MELASQOL might be helpful in guiding the patient to appropriate treatment methods and in tracking patient's satisfaction levels.
