Clinical Characteristics and the Quality of Life of Patients With Genital Warts

Background: Genital warts are a disease with the highest proportion of sexually transmitted diseases, which are caused by Human Papillomaviruses. Currently, research on the impact on the quality of life of patients with genital warts in Vietnam is still very limited, while this is an issue that deserves attention and has been studied in many places around the world. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and evaluate the quality of life of patients with genital warts at Can Tho Dermato-Venereology Hospital in 2023. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Can Tho City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology, including 111 patients who were diagnosed with genital warts and treated. The generic questionnaire European quality of life index version 5D (EQ-5D), and EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) have been used to assess the quality of life of patients with genital warts. The period of study is from May 2023 to October 2023. Results: Patients in the 14-35 age group accounted for the highest proportion (81.1%), and the over 60-year-old group accounted for the lowest proportion (2.7%). The majority of patients participating in the study were female (61.3%). Types of lesions included sharp papules (78.4%), papular papules (12.6%), keratinized papules (6.3%), and flat papules (2.7%). The mild and moderate disease severity were dominant (79.28%). Genital warts usually do not affect mobility, self-care, or usual activities; however, this disease causes pain or discomfort (59.46%), and anxiety or depression (62.16%). The average general health score according to the EQ-VAS, was 74.6 ± 9.031. There was a relationship between EQ-VAS and disease severity (p<0.002). The more severe the disease was, the lower the average EQ-VAS score was. Conclusion: Genital warts had a negative impact on many aspects of the patient's quality of life, including anxiety or depression, varying from moderate to severe levels. Therefore, in addition to consulting and raising awareness, paying attention to monitoring the problems above is extremely important in treatment.