Pharmacotherapeutic Adherence And Quality Of Life Assessment In Patients Of Eczema: A Cross-Sectional Study At A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Pharmacotherapeutic Adherence And Quality Of Life Assessment In Patients Of Eczema

Abstract

Introduction: Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by dry and itchy skin which tends to flare periodically. Assessment of medication adherence and its impact on quality of life (QoL) is important in such patients, because it provides information in addition to the traditional objective clinical scoring system. Objectives: To evaluate the medication adherence and quality of life in patients suffering from eczema. Methods : A cross sectional study was carried out among patients of eczema who attended the dermatology outpatient department for a duration of four months. The baseline data was recorded in Case Record Form (CRF). Quality of life was measured using Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. A pre-validated questionnaire was used for assessing patient adherence to treatment and identifying medication errors. Results: Out of total 150 patients included in the study, 53.9% of the cases were males and 46.1% were females. About 22.66% patients were diagnosed with atopic form of eczema. Dermatological Life Quality Index(DLQI) scores in patients with eczema ranged from 5 to 25 (Mean±SD; 13.49±5.16).About 56.67% of our patients showed low adherence with the prescribed medication. Conclusion: Present study suggested that patients with low adherence to treatment had a significant impact on the quality of life. Eczema has effect on physical parameters, environmental factors and psychosocial aspects of quality of life. [Patel S Natl J Integr Res Med, 2019; 10(4):34-39]