title: Effects of time and recall of patch test results on quality of life (QoL) after testing. Cross-sectional study analyzing QoL in hand eczema patients 1, 5 and 10 years after patch testing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patch testing can improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the impact on HRQOL of elapsed time after patch testing (1-10 years), and how the outcome of testing and patients' recall affects HRQOL.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire was sent to all patients (aged 18-65 years) who were patch tested for suspected contact allergy in 2009, 2005 and 2000 at the Department of Dermatology in Örebro.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 51% (n = 256). The DLQI score was significantly lower at 10 years after patch testing (mean DLQI = 5.5) than at 1 year (mean DLQI = 7.7). Work was the most impaired aspect. A binary logistic model showed that only time (10 years after testing) was associated with no effect, a light effect or a moderate effect (DLQI < 10) on HRQOL. No such association was seen for patients with negative or positive test results concerning full recall, partial recall or no recall of diagnosed allergens.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although there was an improvement in HRQOL over time, the work aspect remained a major problem. The improvement was not affected by the outcome of testing and patients' recall of test results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University Hospital, 701 85, Örebro.|Faculty of Medicine, Section of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
authors.forename: Wasim N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Jamil
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University Hospital, 701 85, Örebro.|Faculty of Medicine, Section of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
authors.forename: Magnus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lindberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: DLQI; HRQoL; contact dermatis; patch testing