Impact of hand eczema on quality of life: metropolitan versus non-metropolitan areas

This study investigated the theory of residential mobility in terms of quality of life, focusing on convenience and the urban environment. The evaluation items (e.g., the accessibility to infrastructure, security, the environment, and social relationships) were selected based on previous studies, and a one-way ANOVA was conducted. The Korea Housing Survey was used to obtain data on the evaluations of homeowners who migrated to Seoul (the capital of South Korea) and to the surrounding metropolitan area (Gyeong-in). The regression analysis identified the factors affecting the overall satisfaction with the two destinations. The group that had migrated from Gyeong-in to Seoul was more satisfied with the medical, public, cultural, and transportation facilities than the group that had migrated from Seoul to Gyeong-in. Differences were also found between the two groups in the factors affecting their overall satisfaction with the migration destination. Factors such as satisfaction with transportation, commercial facilities, and cultural facilities affected the overall satisfaction with both destinations. However, homeownership affected the dependent variables only in Gyeong-in. The implications for potential improvements to infrastructure and housing distribution are discussed.

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Impact of Patch Testing on Quality of Life in Patients with Hand Eczema: A Follow-up Study

Kathmandu University Medical Journal ◽

10.3126/kumj.v11i3.12507 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 216-220 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

S Agrawal ◽

A Rijal ◽

S Bhattarai

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Patch Test ◽

Patch Testing ◽

Life Quality ◽

Hand Eczema ◽

Patch Tests ◽

Positive Patch Test ◽

Sum Score ◽

The Impact

Background Patch testing has previously been shown to influence the quality of life, although a very few studies have shown if this is dependent on the result of the patch tests. Objective To assess the impact of patch testing on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with hand eczema (HE). Methods A total of 50 patients diagnosed of hand eczema at the time of patch testing, aged 16 years and above participated in this study. Detailed demographic information and diagnosis of hand eczema were collected on the day of the patch test. After six weeks, the patients were asked about the hand eczema, knowledge of their allergies and change in their life style to avoid the relevant allergens demonstrated on the patch test. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to measure the QOL on both occasions. Results The patch test positivity was found in 68% of patients to one or more allergens. The sum score of DLQI at baseline was 12.16 ± 5.58 with median 12.0. HE had most impact on symptoms and feelings. Patients with both positive patch test (mean baseline= 11.94± 5.88; mean at six weeks=2.81± 2.01; P<0.001) and negative patch test (mean baseline=12.63± 5.03; mean at 6 weeks=5.4± 3.56; P=0.001) showed significant improvement in DLQI scores, however it was more improved in patients with positive patch test than in patients with negative patch test. Conclusions Hand eczema had an appreciable impact on the QOL. Patch testing had been beneficial to most patients in improving patient quality of life considerably. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i3.12506 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2013; 43(3):216-220

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