Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores in burn victims after revival

This study aimed to evaluate reliability and validity of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in Iranian burned patients and to examine this question, "Does burn severity or other demographical characteristics affect the patient's perception of his or her quality of life after burn injury?" In this study, we used the Persian version of DLQI questionnaire; its reliability and validity has been confirmed earlier in vitiligo patients. The questionnaire was administered to a group of patients with burn scars after revival. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Validity was performed using convergent validity. In all, 109 patients (mean age, 28.94) enrolled in the study. The scores of DLQI ranged from 4 to 28 (mean +/- SD, 17.76 +/- 5.55). Reliability analysis showed satisfactory result (Cronbach's alpha, 0.75). Cronbach's alpha coefficient in the patients with a Burn Index >or=15% was greater than those with <15%, which is an acceptable result. The Persian version of the DLQI is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the impacts of burn scars on quality of life. The life quality index of all the patients irrelevant to age and sex were significantly impaired.