Background: The psychological consequences of having acne have often been underestimated. Assessment of the acne related quality of life can give us an accurate insight into how patients live with their acne. According to WHO, health care providers must incorporate quality of life issues in patient assessment. This study aims to assess the quality of life impairment due to acne among university students with acne.

Materials and Methods: 900 university students were administered the acne specific quality of life questionnaire - the Cardiff acne disability index (CADI). A targeted history and examination was completed for those who reported acne. Age, gender and severity of acne were correlated with CADI scores.

Results and Conclusion:  Acne impacted the quality of life of university students with acne. Our study showed a significant association between severity of acne and quality of life impairment. Female students experienced a greater negative impact of acne. Physicians must consider the psychosocial burden of acne in addition to pharmacologic treatment. We recommend that quality of life issues must be evaluated in all patients with acne for patient centred comprehensive management.

Keywords: Health related quality of life (HRQoL), Quality of life impairment (QUIMP), acne, Cardiff acne disability index (CADI), Himachal Pradesh (India).

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Rajwinder Singh, MD

Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Kumarhatti, Solan – 173229, Himachal Pradesh, India

Phone 09501300469, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.