Patient factors associated with novel NAIL-Q scales in toenail onychomycosis or onychocryptosis: a cross-sectional study and regression analysis

Abstract The NAIL-Q is a patient-reported outcome measure assessing nail appearance, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and treatment satisfaction. Socio-demographic and clinical factors significantly impact the HRQL of these patients. To identify the effects of socio-demographic and clinical variables on NAIL-Q Appearance, Nail Distress, Symptoms, Physical, and Outcome scores in people with toenail onychomycosis and/or onychocryptosis. In an international field-test study, participants with toenail onychomycosis (n = 150) or onychocryptosis (n = 232), aged 18–80, completed the NAIL-Q along with socio-demographic and clinical questionnaires. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses identified predictors for NAIL-Q scores. In both groups, most participants were female and Caucasian, with mean ages of 41 (± 15.0) years for onychomycosis and 34 (± 13) years for onychocryptosis. Worse NAIL-Q scores were associated with younger age, more affected nails, being non-Caucasian, difficulty paying bills, having onychomycosis, moderate to severe disease severity, longer condition duration, topical, oral, and surgical treatment status, experiencing pain, and interference with daily activities. Considering patient variables when utilizing the NAIL-Q for toenail onychomycosis and/or onychocryptosis is essential for improving research methodology and ensuring effective implementation in clinical practice.