Publication:

Evaluation of drug utilization pattern, quality of life and pharmaco-economics in patients of contact dermatitis: a prospective observational study

Background Contact dermatitis (CD) is a common inflammatory skin condition due to T-cell mediated immune reaction on exposure to different allergens. The disease significantly affects Quality of Life (QoL) and all over impact can be seen in Pharmacoeconomics.

Methods This is the prospective observational study done between October 2019 to February 2020 at Dermatology outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients diagnosed with CD aged eighteen years or older of either gender and willing to give written consent were included in study. The impact of CD on the QoL of affected persons was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Direct, indirect and total cost as well as percentage variation in cost of individual drugs was calculated for Pharmacoeconomics analysis.

Results The study population consisted of 180 patients. The most commonly prescribed drugs were corticosteroids (47.44%). The average score of DLQI at baseline was 8.97±4.85. The DLQI score was significantly more impaired in women as compared to men (12.91versus 4.93) (p=0.0001). Average income per month was 11,611.11±230.34₹. The average direct, indirect and total cost was 131.55±70.55 ₹, 136.44±16.93 ₹ and 168.11±74.08₹ respectively. The percentage variation of cost was largest for prednisolone 5 mg tablet and least for clobetasol cream (0.05%).

Conclusions The impact of CD on QoL and Pharmacoeconomic burden is significant and requires specific attention in health care facilities.