The quality of life of women with genital warts
Introduction. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of life and psychological state of women with genital warts. Material and Methods. Three questionnaires have been used to evaluate the quality of life: the generic questionnaire European quality of life index version 5D, disease-specific questionnaire for Condylomata Acuminata, and dermatology life quality index. Results. The average age of patients was 29.72 +/- 8.54 years. The most common location of genital warts was the vulva (33.8%) and then vulva and vagina (22.54%). The mean value of the visual analogue scale was 70.37 +/- 20.8. The mean value of the specific questionnaire for Condylomata Acuminata-10 questionnaire was 26.61 +/- 10.09. The patients with higher scores in specific questionnaire for Condylomata Acuminata-6 and -10 questionnaires evaluated their quality of life as significantly better (specific questionnaire for Condylomata Acuminata-10: r = 0.251; p < 0.05) (specific questionnaire for Condylomata Acuminata-6: r = 0.263; p < 0.05). The mean score of the dermatology life quality index questionnaire was 6.42 +/- 5.82. About 81.4% of women were concerned, anxious and depressed, 54.3% felt pain and discomfort in the genital region, and 57.7% suffered from itching and burning. Shame and insecurity was reported by 64.8% of patients. About 50.7% had a problem with genital warts that affected their relationship, while 62.1% had problems with sexual intercourse. Conclusion. Our examination showed that genital warts adversely affected the emotional and sexual aspects of the quality of life. There is a need for better education of the general population on human papillomavirus infection and its prevention.