Quality of Life and Disease Coping Strategies in Patients with Rosacea

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder that adversely affects patients' quality of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and to find the connection between QoL and coping strategies in patients with rosacea. Design and methods: A total of 138 patients, aged from 22 to 80, took part in this study with the first-time confirmed diagnosis of rosacea. All patients completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire to evaluate the patients’ attitudes to the impact of rosacea on QoL and Coping Strategies Questionnaires (COPE). Results: The study has determined that Average DLQI in the case of rosacea equals 14.09+3.18. Mean Rosacea-Specific DLQI is: symptoms and feelings - 3.75+1.92, daily activities - 3.12+1.77; leisure - 2.52+1.81, work and/or school - 1.52+1.50, personal relationships - 2.42+1.90, treatment - 1.59+1.04. The usage of instrumental social support - 3.39 has the highest score factor in the COPE questionnaire. Conclusions: Rosacea has a strong impact on human life. QoL in rosacea patients is connected to age, gender, employment status, self-esteem and subtype of the disease. Correlation analysis shows connection between the quality of life and coping strategy. Based on the regression analysis formula, the large and extremely large effect of DLQI can be calculated according to the existing risk forecast. The results obtained in our study may be a starting point for the elaboration of complex support for patients with rosacea.