Normative data and socio-demographic determinants of the Dermatology Life Quality Index in a large online sample of the Hungarian population

Abstract

Background Population norms are available for several generic health-related quality of life questionnaires, but rarely for disease- or specialty-specific questionnaires. Objectives The aim of our study was to calculate population norms for the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score. Methods We conducted an online self-completed questionnaire survey on a large sample of the general Hungarian adult population. Respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and dermatology-related quality of life aspects were recorded. Results A total of 2,001 participants completed the questionnaire, with the average age of 48.2 (SD = 16.6) years, half of the respondents in our sample (n = 981) reported long-standing health problems. The average DLQI score was 1.9 (SD = 4.0) with women having a higher average (2.0, SD = 3.9) than men (1.8, SD = 4.0; p=<0.001). The DLQI score differed among age-groups with younger people having relatively higher DLQI averages. When the multivariate linear regression model was applied, it showed that young age, lower income and unemployment status were associated with higher DLQI scores, while controlling for the existence of skin disease (p<0.05). Conclusions This study esthablished DLQI population norms among the general population, which may provide a reference point in health-policy and financing decision-making.