Quality assessment of a quality‐of‐life questionnaire for patients with hyperhidrosis

Abstract

British Journal of DermatologyVolume 184, Issue 3 p. e99-e99 Plain Language SummaryFree Access Quality assessment of a quality-of-life questionnaire for patients with hyperhidrosis First published: 05 March 2021 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19776AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Hyperhidrosis is a disease that causes excessive sweating. It affects around 1–2% of the world population and substantially impairs the quality of life of most people with the condition (for example because it results in limitations in daily activities, social relationships, study and work life). The impact on quality of life can be measured using the Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Index (HidroQoL), an 18-item questionnaire developed by two researchers of this current study. This study aimed to further demonstrate the quality of the HidroQoL in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating). Patients with severe hyperhidrosis completed the HidroQoL and two further questionnaires, in addition their amount of sweat production was assessed by a physician at four different timepoints. The results found the quality of the HidroQoL was excellent in all respects. The smallest change in a score that patients perceive as beneficial (known as the minimal important difference) was estimated to be a value of 4. This means an improvement on the HidroQoL of 4 points or more, after 4 weeks, very likely represents a change that is important to patients. This information can be used to help evaluate the effects of new treatments. All findings were consistent with the initial study investigating the quality of the HidroQoL. This study means that the HidroQoL can be used in clinical trials for the assessment of the impact on quality of life of axillary hyperhidrosis, as this questionnaire delivers reliable, valid and interpretable results. Linked Article: Gabes et al. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184:473–481. Volume184, Issue3March 2021Pages e99-e99 RelatedInformation