Impact of Hirsutism on Quality of Life of Patients Using Dermatology Life Quality Index

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of hirsutism on everyday life of patients using Dermatology Life Quality
Index (DLQI) score
Method: This cross-sectional survey was conducted at Dermatology Outpatient Department of Services
Hospital, Lahore for six months. 132 patients of hirsutism were enrolled. Demographic details of patients
were noted and extent and severity of disease were assessed by physical examination. DLQI questionnaires in
Urdu were filled in by the patients. Total scores were calculated and impact on everyday life was noted as No
effect (0-1), Minimal effect (2-5), Modest effect (6-10), Very huge effect (11-20) and Extremely huge effect
(21-30).
Results: Mean age of patients was 25.47±2.83 years. 65 patients (49.2%) were in 16-25 years age group,
while 67(50.8%) were in 26-40 years age group. According to severity of disease, 52(39.4%) had mild, while
42(31.8%) and 38(28.8%) had moderate and severe disease respectively. Mean DLQI score among hirsutism
patients was 10.78±5.99. According to stratification of DLQI score with respect to different variables, high
DLQI score was significantly associated with higher education and severe disease. Impact of disease on
everyday life was noted as: No effect on 1 patient (0.7%), Small effect on 34 patients (25.8%), Moderate
effect on 33 patients (25%), Very large effect on 55 patients (42.4%) and Extremely large impact on everyday
life of 8 patients (6.1%).
Conclusion: Hirsutism can significantly impair women's everyday life as most of the patients reported
modest to massive impairment of daily life functionality. So, patients tolerating this infirmity should be
treated with courtesy and civility.

How to cite: Saleem A, Tariq H, Siddiqui S, Aman S. Impact of Hirsutism on Quality of Life of Patients Using Dermatology Life
Quality Index. Esculapio - JSIMS 2021;18(02):138-142
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51273/esc22.251827