1.Quality of Life and Its Risk Factors Among Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria In A Tertiary Center
Ishvant Sidhu ; Adawiyah Jamil ; Nazatul Shima Bt Abdul Rahim
Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2023;51():2-61
Background:
Chronic urticaria is a spontaneous or idiopathic mast cell driven disease which affects patients’ well-being and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in a public tertiary hospital, to determine patients’ quality of life (QoL) and factors associated with impaired QoL.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Dermatology Clinic, Hospital Putrajaya. Patients aged more than 18 years diagnosed with CSU were included. Patients with other chronic diseases that may affect QoL were excluded. Data was collected by face to face interview. QoL was assessed using Dermatology Quality of Life (DLQI) questionnaire. Urticaria severity was determined using Urticaria Activity Score (UAS-7).
Results:
A total of 88 patients aged 40±13.9 years participated with a male to female ratio of 1:3.4. Prevalence
of CSU was 0.9%. Mean total DLQI score was 6.3±5.46, 27.3% of patients had no QOL effects, 18.2%
had small effect, 36.4% moderate effect and 17% very large effect. Symptoms & feelings subdomain
revealed the most severe impairment, followed by leisure and daily activities. Median UAS-7 was 6, 51.1% of patients had well-controlled disease. Higher disease activity was associated with a higher DLQI (p=0.02). Risk factors assessed did not show statistically significant effect on QoL.
Conclusion
CSU had moderate effect on the QoL of most patients. Symptoms and feelings, leisure and daily activities
were predominantly affected. Disease activity was negatively associated with QoL impairment.