Measuring melasma patients' quality of life using willingness to pay and time trade-off methods in thai population

Charussri Leeyaphan,Woraphong Manuskiatti,Kanokvalai Kulthanan,Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha

doi:10.1186/1471-5945-11-16

Charussri Leeyaphan, Woraphong Manuskiatti + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-5945-11-16

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Journal: BMC dermatology	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2011
Citations: 48	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

Abstract

BackgroundMelasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder that has a significant effect on an individual's quality of life. However, there is no preference-based measurement that reflects quality of life in patients with melasma. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of melasma on quality of life by using a health status measurement - the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) - and a preference-based measurement - Willingness to Pay (WTP) and Time Trade-Off (TTO).MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Seventy-eight patients with melasma who attended the melasma clinic at Siriraj Hospital from February to March 2009 were recruited in this study. The Thai version of the DLQI, questionnaires about WTP, standard TTO, and daily TTO were used to assess patients' quality of life.ResultsSeventy-seven (98.7%) patients were female with a mean age of 47.8 ± 7.9 years. The mean health utility based on standard TTO was 0.96. The utility obtained by the daily TTO method was 0.92 and was significantly correlated with an economically inactive occupation (p < 0.05). The mean monthly WTP for the most effective treatment was 1,157 baht (7.2% of monthly income), ranging from 100 to 5,000 baht (1 USD ~ 35.1 baht). The WTP was significantly correlated with monthly personal income and the total DLQI score.ConclusionThe WTP method could be a useful tool with which to measure the quality of life of patients with melasma.

Highlights

Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder that has a significant effect on an individual’s quality of life
The Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) is used by physicians to evaluate the severity of melasma; this index does not indicate the effect
The questionnaires consisted of three parts: a selfadministered questionnaire that included socio-demographic questions, questions about melasma and current treatments, questions about heath status measurement (DLQI), and preference-based measurements (TTO, Willingness to Pay (WTP))

Summary

Introduction

Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder that has a significant effect on an individual’s quality of life. There is no preference-based measurement that reflects quality of life in patients with melasma. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of melasma on quality of life by using a health status measurement - the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) - and a preference-based measurement Willingness to Pay (WTP) and Time Trade-Off (TTO). Melasma usually begins with brownish macules and progresses to patches with well-defined borders. Melasma can have a significant effect on an individual’s quality of life as it usually affects the face and causes disfiguring lesions [5]. Dermatologists should incorporate health-related quality of life measurements to help assess and monitor the progression of their patients [8,9]. Treatment of melasma is challenging because of the chronic and persistent nature of the condition [10]

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