Burden, pattern, associated factors and impact on quality of life of dermatological disorders among the elderly in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam

Abstract

AbstractBackground The global population of people aged 60years or older (elderly) is increasing. Skin disorders are reported to be common in this population. In view of limited data available, this study determined the burden, pattern and impact on quality of life (QoL) of thedisorders among the elderly in Tanzania. Methods This was a community-basedcross-sectional study conducted from August to November 2021in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam. Participants were obtained throughsimple random sampling in multiple stages.Diagnoses were made through clinical assessment initially performed by the Principal Investigator and a dedicated Dermato-venereology Officer, and then confirmed by a Dermatologist using digital photographs. Quality of Life was assessed using a validated Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) with scores ranging from 1 to 30. The wealth index was graded from class 1 (poor) to class 5 (rich).Data were analyzed through Chi-squared test, Poisson Logistic regression, and analysis of variance. Results A total of 694 elderlies were enrolled. The overall prevalence of dermatological disorders was 593 (85.45%). The commonest disorders were skin infections and infestations (36.1%); eczemas (34.7%);papulosquamouseruptions(6.5%), and keratinization disorders (2.6%). Autoimmune disorders comprised 1.4%, while vascular disorders and tumors were less prominent, comprising of 1.2% of all cases. A small proportion (1.7%) of the elderlies had ≥ 2 skin disorders. In multivariate analysis the wealth index was found to be associated with the presence of thedisorders. There was 61% impairment in QoL due to the dermatological disorders. Conclusion Dermatological disorders among the elderly were common and were associated with the wealth index. They had a significant impact on quality of life. Appropriate control measures to address dermatological disorders among the elderly areneeded.