Related Experiment Videos
Quality of life of persons with onychomycosis
D P Lubeck1, D L Patrick, P McNulty
1Technology Assessment Group, San Francisco, CA 94107.
Abstract:
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails which, although unsightly in appearance, is often considered to be a cosmetic problem. This research reports on the development and performance of a quality-of-life instrument to measure the impact of this disease on the patients' mental and general health, social functioning, pain, and self-confidence. In telephone interviews, 680 members of a health maintenance organization (299 with onychomycosis and 381 without) were asked a battery of items regarding quality of life (mental and social functioning, self-esteem, pain) and specific problems and symptoms related with one's nails. Persons with onychomycosis had significantly poorer ratings compared with the healthy persons with respect to general health (p = 0.02) and bodily pain p < 0.001). Persons with onychomycosis also had significantly (p < 0.05) poorer ratings for mental health, social functioning, health concern, physical appearance, and functional limitations associated with activities involving standing on one's feet or working with one's fingers. This study is the first to document the impact of onychomycosis on an individual's quality of life. Persons with onychomycosis may adapt to this condition, but they continue to experience embarrassment and discomfort that reduces their quality of life.
Insights
Onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, significantly impacts patients' quality of life, affecting general health, pain, and mental well-being. This study highlights the disease
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Onychomycosis is a common fungal nail infection.
- It is often perceived as a purely cosmetic issue.
- The impact on patients' overall well-being is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a quality-of-life instrument for onychomycosis.
- To measure the disease's impact on mental health, social functioning, pain, and self-confidence.
- To quantify the reduction in quality of life experienced by patients.
Main Methods:
- Telephone interviews with 680 health maintenance organization members.
- Comparison between 299 patients with onychomycosis and 381 healthy individuals.
- Assessment of quality-of-life domains including mental/social functioning, self-esteem, and pain.
Main Results:
- Patients with onychomycosis reported significantly poorer general health (p=0.02) and bodily pain (p<0.001).
- Onychomycosis negatively affected mental health, social functioning, health concern, and physical appearance (p<0.05).
- Functional limitations in activities involving standing or finger dexterity were also reported.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to document the significant impact of onychomycosis on an individual's quality of life.
- Despite adaptation, patients experience persistent embarrassment and discomfort.
- Onychomycosis negatively affects multiple facets of a patient's life beyond appearance.