Prevalence of skin diseases and impact on quality of life in hilly region of Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Skin diseases (SDs) are one of the most common health problems in Nepal. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of SDs and impact on quality of life (QoL) in a rural community in Nepal. Methods: A house-to-house survey was conducted in a community with 3,207 inhabitants, to obtain socio-demographic data and identify individuals with SDs. Free examination and treatment was offered at 4 health camps. Individuals with long-standing SDs were interviewed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results: Of 735 individuals attending the health camps, 645 (mean age 24.9 years, range 0.5-90) had one or more SDs. The overall prevalence of SDs was 20.1% (males 18.1%, females 22.5% and children 28.2%). The most common SD categories were eczemas (12.2%), pigment disorders (4.1%), acne (2.7%), urticaria (2.4%) and moles and lumps (1.6%). In the Nepalese culture, the DLQI question on sexuality was too direct so only 9/10 questions were used. In the 75 patients who were interviewed, the mean DLQI score was 10.7 (range 7-19), indicating a large impact on QoL. Conclusions: This population-based study shows that SDs were very common in a rural community in Nepal. The five most common SD categories comprise 77% of all SDs. Targeted training should enable health-care workers to prevent, accurately diagnose and manage these problems on site. An appropriate instrument to measure QoL adjusted to the socio-cultural norms of Nepal has to be developed

Quality of Life in Patients with Skin Diseases Attending a Public Healthcare Institute of Quetta City, Pakistan

“…[22] Similarly, Shrestha and colleagues reported a mean DLQI score of 10.7 (range 7-19) among their study respondents, indicating a large impact on QoL. [23] Quality of life in skin disorders was also heavily impaired in studies reported from Saudi Arabia [24] , Brazil [25] , India [26] and other parts of the world. [27] It is mention that against to our study criteria, the above mentioned studies were conducted on a disease specific population.…”

Pattern of patch test reactivity among patients with clinical diagnosis of contact dermatitis: A hospital-based study

“…Among them, eczemas are the commonest with high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) [1]. Because of diversity in genetic, environment, topography and occupation of Nepalese population, these factors may also influence the exposure patterns and could be responsible for the variations in the patterns of skin reactivity.…”

Pattern Of Skin Diseases In A Rural Village Development Community Of Nepal

“…The annual report of the Department of health services in 2067/068 (2010/2011 A.D) ranks skin diseases as the fourth most common problem in patients attending outpatient clinics in the country, and comprises 1.4 % of the total in-patient morbidity. 1 According to the data of a referral hospital in Kathmandu, in the year 2008, skin diseases accounted 10.5% (34,360) of total out-patient department (3,25,920). 2 However, a community study which surveyed a rural population of 3207 inhabitants showed an overall skin disease prevalence of 20.1 %.…”

“…2 However, a community study which surveyed a rural population of 3207 inhabitants showed an overall skin disease prevalence of 20.1 %. 3 Information on community based prevalence and pattern of skin diseases would be a better measure of burden due to skin diseases in the general population in order to assist in planning of possible intervention strategies.…”