The quality of life of Sri Lankan patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

ABSTRACT

The effect of cutaneous leishmaniasis on the quality of life (QoL) in Sri Lankan patients' had not been evaluated before. This study was done to identify the factors resulting poor QoL in cutaneous leishmaniasis. The standard one-week Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire was used on 146 patients. The children <15 years of age, illiterates, who could not understand the questionnaire were excluded. Twenty one percent had no effect; overall 86% had DLQI ≤10 indicating low/moderate effect. The least affected area was sexual function with some 92% stating they were not affected at all, while the areas of feelings, shopping, social, partner and treatment, (in descending order), being endorsed as the most affected areas. Facial lesions, lesions ≥25mm diameter, 21-40 age group were identified as being associated with poor QoL. Overall cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka was a mild disease having low/moderate impact on 86% of patient's, in which 'feelings' being the most affected and 'sexual function' being the least affected domain.