The Norwegian version of the dermatology life quality index: a study of validity and reliability in psoriatics

Acta Derm Venereol. 2002;82(5):347-51. doi: 10.1080/000155502320624078.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the Norwegian version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI-N) for validity and reliability in psoriatic patients. The DLQI-N was administered to 230 patients with psoriasis who underwent climate therapy on Gran Canaria, with a dermatologist assessing their psoriasis severity using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. Factor analyses resulted in a unidimensional pattern, which supports the use of a total DLQI-N score. The internal consistency coefficient of this unidimensional measure was 0.90 (Cronbach's alpha) and the paired inter-item correlations ranged from 0.20 to 0.76 (p < 0.01). Questions related to work, sport and sex were the issues most often ticked off as not relevant, and the item related to working/studying was often misunderstood. DLQI-N scores were significantly associated with disease severity, age and sex. We assess DLQI-N as a valid, reliable and clinically useful outcome measure for quality of life in Norwegian patients with psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Balneology / methods
  • Dermatology / standards
  • Female
  • Heliotherapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Norway / epidemiology
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis
  • Psoriasis / epidemiology
  • Psoriasis / psychology*
  • Psoriasis / therapy*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sampling Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sickness Impact Profile
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome