Quality of Life in Women with Hirsutism in Erbil City

Background and objectives: Hirsutism being a psychological, social and not merely medical problem may have a negative impact on the quality of life of affected women. This study was done to determine the quality of life of women with hirsutism. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted at governmental and private dermatological canters in Erbil city/Iraq for the period from April 2019 to January 2020. A convenience sample of 250 hirsute women selected. Hirsutism was assessed by quantitative method using Ferriman-Gallwey score on scale (0-36). Quality of life evaluated using a modified dermatology life quality index questionnaire by summing the scores (0-3) for 10 questions, negative effects related to higher scores. Results: The mean age of recruited women was 28.2±9.8 and their mean score of dermatology life quality index was 13.29±3.05. Those with mild hirsutism were 25.6%, moderate 41.2% and sever ones were 33.2%. The quality of life of 80% of hirsute women were moderately affected (score 11-20), and was significantly associated with the severity of hirsutism. Feeling embarrassed and ashamed, restriction of outdoor activities and the financial burden of treatment (mean scores 2.04, 1.46, 1.79) were the most affected issues of life of hirsute women. Conclusions: Quality of life of more than two thirds of hirsute women is moderately affected. This impact is correlated to the severity of hirsutism.