Abstract
IntroductionThe negative impact of acne on aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQL) has been demonstrated in many quantitative studies; however, there has been relatively little qualitative research exploring the impact of acne and the use of topical treatment. The study aimed to explore the impact of moderate–severe acne on HRQL in adolescents and adults with inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions and to develop a conceptual model to illustrate the impact. In addition, the study aimed to identify the attributes of topical acne treatments that are most important for patients.MethodsThirty-four adolescents and 16 adults with moderate–severe acne who were currently/recently prescribed topical treatment were recruited in this cross-sectional qualitative study in the UK, Italy, and Germany. In-depth, semi-structured telephone interviews explored patients’ experiences of acne and the impact it has on their HRQL, and their experience of topical treatments for acne. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and a conceptual model was developed.ResultsThe analysis identified seven main areas of HRQL that are affected by acne: emotional functioning, social functioning, relationships, leisure activities, daily activities, sleep, and school/work. Also common throughout the interviews was the perception and reaction to acne from others, which potentially had an impact on all areas of HRQL. The conceptual model illustrates the impact on HRQL and the links between HRQL domains. For both adolescents and adults, it was most important for acne treatments to be fast-acting, non-irritating, and non-bleaching.ConclusionThe results of this qualitative study demonstrate that moderate–severe acne has an extensive impact on adolescents’ and adults’ HRQL. The conceptual model illustrates the many areas of HRQL that are affected and draws attention to the importance of effective treatments for acne. The study also highlights topical acne treatment attributes that are most important for patients.FundingMeda, a Mylan company.
Highlights
INTRODUCTIONInflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit estimated to affect 9.4% of the global population [1]
The negative impact of acne on aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQL) has been demonstrated in many quantitative studies; there has been relatively little qualitative research exploring the impact of acne and the use of topical treatment
The conceptual model illustrates the many areas of HRQL that are affected and draws attention to the importance of effective treatments for acne
Summary
Inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit estimated to affect 9.4% of the global population [1]. Acne is not life-threatening or physically disabling, the negative impact of acne on health-related quality of life (HRQL) has been demonstrated in many studies of adults and adolescents with acne [5,6,7]. A conjoint analysis assessing patient preferences for topical therapies evaluated five treatment attributes (form, storage, product life, method of application, and regimen). Qualitative research methodologies allow an in-depth investigation into patients’ experiences and allow us to identify concepts of importance to patients, in terms of HRQL impact and experience of using treatment for acne. How to measure it, and provide a context for the interpretation of findings [23] The aims of this qualitative study were to explore the impact of moderate–severe acne on HRQL in adolescents and adults with inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, and to develop a conceptual model to illustrate this impact. The study aimed to determine the attributes of topical treatments for acne that are the most important for patients
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