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Otitis externa: quality of life assessment

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Abstract

Introduction

Otitis externa (OE) is an extremely common dermatological condition that can affect social life and employment, but formal studies of its general health impact are lacking.

Objective

The aims of this study were two-folded, first to assess the impact of OE on various health determinants as measured by the Finlay’s dermatological quality of life index (DLQI) and second to see if there was any difference on quality of life (QoL) of patients with acute and chronic OE.

Methods

A prospective questionnaire study was carried out. The study included 85 consecutive adult patients with both acute and chronic OE attending the casualty department of a regional otolaryngology unit.

Results

Both groups of patients reported a significantly poor QoL, particularly patients with acute OE, whom were significantly affected by the condition.

Conclusion

We concluded that OE has a significant impact on the QoL particularly in patients with acute and chronic OE.

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References

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Professor A.Y. Finlay for allowing us to use the DLQI questionnaire.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Waterford Regional Hospital, Dunmore Road, Waterford, Ireland

    R. Ali & P. Burns

  2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Waterford Regional Hospital, Dunmore Road, Waterford, Ireland

    M. Donnelly

  3. 35 Block D, Woodview Apartments, Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland

    R. Ali

Authors
  1. R. Ali
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  2. P. Burns
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  3. M. Donnelly
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to R. Ali.

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Ali, R., Burns, P. & Donnelly, M. Otitis externa: quality of life assessment. Ir J Med Sci 177, 221–223 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0137-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0137-z

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