Evaluation of Quality of Life in Males with Melasma Using Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQOL)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the melasma quality of life (MELASQoL) scoring amongst the pre-diagnosed patients of melasma.
Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted at (Tertiary Care Hospital, Gujranwala) from September 2022 to February 2023. 150 adult male patients were selected. Melasma severity was evaluated using the melasma quality of life (MELASQoL) scale. Chi square test was used for association of MELASQoL score with socioeconomic status, education, ethnicity and duration of melasma. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Patients' socioeconomic level and duration of melasma were compared. Paired sample chi aquare test demonstrated significant scores between urdu speaking, sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi and pathan with urdu speaking and sindhi had significant association with MELASQoL score (p<0.01). The duration of melasma was compared to MELASQoL scores. One, two, and more than two years of melasma were scored significantly (p<0.05). Patients with melasma for more than two years had a considerably lower quality of life (p<0.05). Conclusion: Male melasma patients showed a significant decline in quality of life similar to female patients. As they counsel patients and devise management measures, healthcare providers must be aware of the impact of melasma on psychosocial health as well.
Keywords: Melasma, MELASQoL scale, socioeconomic status, quality of life, facial melanosis, psychosocial health, males, ethnicity