Comparison of generic and specific instruments to assess the quality of life in patients with melasma

Author(s)

Meneguin, Silmara ; Mourao, Ioana Bitencourt ; Pollo, Camila Fernandes ; Miot, Helio Amante ; Garuzi, Miriane ; de Oliveira, Cesar

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY; v. 22, n. 1, p. 8-pg., 2022-04-20.

Abstract

Objective To compare the psychometric performance of a generic and specific instruments in assessing melasma-related quality of life. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 patients with melasma attending an outpatient dermatology clinic of a public hospital in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical data as well as the generic WHOQOL-BREF, and the dermatological-specific Skindex-16 and HRQ-Melasma. Results The overall internal consistency of the domains of the three instruments was >= 0.7. A strong positive correlation was identified between the Skindex-16 and HRQ-Melasma domains (0.68-0.78). Item-response theory showed that most Skindex-16 and HRQ-Melasma domains were more informative than WHOQOL-BREF. Conclusion The three instruments for assessing QOL tested presented good psychometric performance, with satisfactory internal consistency values. Only the two dermatological instruments, however, demonstrated a strong correlation between the domains that assess social, emotional, and functional aspects of QOL, indicating that both were able to identify impairments in other QOL dimensions in addition to the physical domain. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/17250-0 - Comparison of WHOQOL BREF, SKINDEX-16 and HRQ-melasma in the assessment of the quality of life related with melasma
• Grantee: Ioana Bittencourt Mourão
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation