Development of the acne-specific quality of life questionnaire Quality of Life Relevance-Acne

Background Participating members of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on quality of life (QoL) and Patient Oriented Outcomes and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (ARHS) initiated data collection in nine European countries and formed the list of the most relevant topics for acne patients. Objective The aim of this study was to develop a new acne-specific HRQoL instrument based on the list of the most relevant topics for acne patients. Methods After assessment by acne patients (n=715) on how clear and relevant the items in the prototype questionnaire were, a group of experts on acne and QoL performed discussions on items inclusion, which resulted in a series of 21 items. Then another group of acne patients (n=1502) filled in the new version of the instrument. A factor analysis was conducted on the 21-item version. Results Three-factor model with 19 items indicated a satisfactory fit. The three dimensions were called: Socioemotional; Symptoms; Stigma and Suicidal thoughts. Limitations Included patients and experts may not fully represent acne patients and health care professionals worldwide. Conclusion A final 19-item version of the Quality of Life Relevance-Acne was developed.