Quality of life and well-being of dermatology patients: Influence of associated anxiety and depression in relation to satisfaction of care.

Abstract

Background: Many patients attending dermatology clinics have mental health problems which may affect their well-being.

Aims: It was intended to study the influence of anxiety and depression on well-being and quality of life (QOL) in relation to satisfaction of dermatological care in an out-patient setting.

Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, dermatological patients were assessed for well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being scale), overall QOL, anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7), and depression (Patient health questionnaire, PHQ-9). Satisfaction of care in the dermatology clinic (1: not at all satisfied to 10: very satisfied) and the likelihood of recommending it (1: not at all likely to 10: very likely) were assessed on a 1 to 10 scale. Demographic and clinical variables were also collected.

Results: The sample (n = 150) covered a range of dermatological diagnoses including allergy/eczema (53.3%), inflammatory/infective diseases (19.3%), sexually transmitted diseases (10.0%), psycho-somatic diseases (9.3%), and auto-immune diseases (7.3%). A clinically relevant level (moderate degree or above) of depression (12.7%) and anxiety (8.0%) was present in considerable proportions of patients, suggesting that overall 18.7% of patients had anxiety, depression, or both. The satisfaction and recommendation scores were at an appreciable level; however, they did not influence the anxiety and depression scores. Anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with well-being and overall QOL.

Conclusion: Anxiety and depression present in a considerable proportion of dermatological patients significantly impaired their well-being and QOL despite high satisfaction and likelihood of recommendation of care in the dermatology clinic. Identifying and supporting psychiatric problems of dermatological patients are needed.