Authors :
Uwesu Muki; Grace Shayo; Eliaichi Minja; Muhammad Bakari
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 2 - February
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3JseghO
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7710385
Abstract :
The global population of people aged 60years or
older (elderly) is increasing. Skin disorders are reported
to be common in this population. In view of limited data
available, this study determined the burden, pattern and
impact on quality of life (QoL) of the disorders among the
elderly in Tanzania.
Methodology
This was a community-based cross-sectional study
conducted from August to November 2021 in Ilala
Municipality, Dar es Salaam. Participants were obtained
through simple random sampling in multiple stages.
Diagnoses were made through clinical assessment initially
performed by the Principal Investigator and a dedicated
Dermato-venereology Officer, and then confirmed by a
Dermatologist using digital photographs. Quality of Life
was assessed using a validated Dermatology Quality of
Life Index (DLQI) with scores ranging from 1 to 30. The
wealth index was graded from class 1 (poor) to class 5
(rich).Data were analyzed through Chi-squared test,
Poisson Logistic regression, and analysis of variance.
Results
A total of 694 elderlies were enrolled. The overall
prevalence of dermatological disorders was 593 (85.45%).
The commonest disorders were skin infections and
infestations (36.1%); eczemas (34.7%); papulosquamous
eruptions (6.5%), and keratinization disorders
(2.6%).Autoimmune disorders comprised 1.4%, while
vascular disorders and tumors were less prominent,
comprising of 1.2% of all cases. A small proportion
(1.7%) of the elderlies had ≥2 skin disorders. In
multivariate analysis the wealth index was found to be
associated with the presence of the disorders. There was
61% impairment in QoL due to the dermatological
disorders.
Conclusion
Dermatological disorders among the elderly were
common and were associated with the wealth index. They
had a significant impact on quality of life. Appropriate
control measures to address dermatological disorders
among the elderly are needed.
Keywords :
Quality of Life, Dermatology Quality of Life Index.
The global population of people aged 60years or
older (elderly) is increasing. Skin disorders are reported
to be common in this population. In view of limited data
available, this study determined the burden, pattern and
impact on quality of life (QoL) of the disorders among the
elderly in Tanzania.
Methodology
This was a community-based cross-sectional study
conducted from August to November 2021 in Ilala
Municipality, Dar es Salaam. Participants were obtained
through simple random sampling in multiple stages.
Diagnoses were made through clinical assessment initially
performed by the Principal Investigator and a dedicated
Dermato-venereology Officer, and then confirmed by a
Dermatologist using digital photographs. Quality of Life
was assessed using a validated Dermatology Quality of
Life Index (DLQI) with scores ranging from 1 to 30. The
wealth index was graded from class 1 (poor) to class 5
(rich).Data were analyzed through Chi-squared test,
Poisson Logistic regression, and analysis of variance.
Results
A total of 694 elderlies were enrolled. The overall
prevalence of dermatological disorders was 593 (85.45%).
The commonest disorders were skin infections and
infestations (36.1%); eczemas (34.7%); papulosquamous
eruptions (6.5%), and keratinization disorders
(2.6%).Autoimmune disorders comprised 1.4%, while
vascular disorders and tumors were less prominent,
comprising of 1.2% of all cases. A small proportion
(1.7%) of the elderlies had ≥2 skin disorders. In
multivariate analysis the wealth index was found to be
associated with the presence of the disorders. There was
61% impairment in QoL due to the dermatological
disorders.
Conclusion
Dermatological disorders among the elderly were
common and were associated with the wealth index. They
had a significant impact on quality of life. Appropriate
control measures to address dermatological disorders
among the elderly are needed.
Keywords :
Quality of Life, Dermatology Quality of Life Index.
