Anogenital warts: influence on quality of life in Dutch soldiers

Anogenital warts are one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus infections in the Netherlands and cause frustration, shame, and even depression. This study was performed to determine the effect of having anogenital warts on the quality of life in Dutch soldiers with the use of a dermatology-specific quality of life (QoL) questionnaire.

We used the Skindex-29 QoL questionnaire in 100 predominantly heterosexual soldiers with clinically confirmed first episode of condylomata acuminate in this study.

Results confirmed that first episodes of anogenital warts cause high mean scores on subscale Emotions with lower scores on the subscales Symptoms and Functioning. Sex, age, educational level, anatomical site, or number of anatomical sites did not influence the outcome in this study.

Having anogenital warts influences QoL, especially with regard to intimacy, shame, and concern. Our data show that the Skindex-29 QoL questionnaire can be easily used in these patients with good internal consistency. Clinicians should be aware of the great emotional impact of anogenital warts on their patients.