QUAVIDERM: Un questionario per la valutazione della qualita di vita italiana in dermatologia

A specific questionnaire for assessing the quality of life of Italian patients with cutaneous disorders has been designed. Eight dermatologic departments (two in the north of Italy, two in the centre, two in the south, one in Sicily and one in Sardinia) took part in the project. Each centre collected information about the impact of skin disorders on quality of life from at least 75 unselected subjects who were examined in general dermatology clinic for the first time. Answers were obtained from 620 patients (267 males and 353 females), aged between 4 and 84 years (mean age, 36 years); 78.9% of patients stated that their skin disorders worried them or had worsened their quality of life. The most commonly reported problems were: alteration in relations with others (30.0%) and daily activities (19.8%); onset of symptoms (16.5%); appearance (14.8%) and mood changes (13.1%); free time and sport (8.9%); fear of contagion (5.9%); choice of clothes (5.3%); difficult relations with family and friends (4.2%) and with partners (4.1%). These replies have been analysed and employed to prepare an 11-point questionnaire: QUAVIDERM (QUAlita di Vita Italiana in DERMatologia) (trade mark application filed), which could serve as an important tool in selecting therapeutic approaches and establishing health measure priorities.