Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic disease. Research shows the emergence of harmful habits such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in people with psoriasis. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of habits, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in patients with psoriasis, sexual distribution, and the relationship of habits with the severity of the disease. Methods: The prospective study included 129 subjects with psoriasis, of which 67 or 51,94% were women and 62 or 48,06% were men. Results: The frequency of cigarette smoking was 41,09%, alcohol consumption 24,80%. The gender distribution of cigarette smoking was: 35,82% of women and 46,77% of men smoked cigarettes. The gender distribution of alcohol consumption is: women 5,97% and men 45,16%. The severity of psoriasis, that is PASI score and cigarette smoking were statistically significantly related (r=0,63), and PASI score and alcohol consumption were not statistically significantly related (r=0,32). Conclusion: Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are present in psoriasis sufferers, cigarette smoking is associated with disease severity, and alcohol consumption is not. It takes knowledge of the habits of people with psoriasis and a multidisciplinary approach to get rid of harmful habits.

Introduction: Changes in the skin can occur as part of a diabetic, metabolic disorder or diabetic complications. Studies have shown that diabetes has an extremely strong negative impact on quality of life, especially diabetes with complications. Aim: Examine the impact of skin changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on quality of life. Methods: A prospective study analysed the quality of life in 200 respondents with type 2 diabetes mellitus which had diabetes-related skin changes. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the type of skin changes associated with diabetes mellitus. Group 1 consisted of patients which had skin changes with a greater or lesser association with diabetes mellitus, group 2 patients with infections, group 3 patients with cutaneous manifestations of diabetic complications and group 4 patients with allergic reactions to antidiabetic therapy. Quality of life assessment was performed using the Skindex-29 questionnaire, and the Nijsten categorization was used to assess the impact of skin changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on quality of life. Results: There were (51.95%) respondents in group 1, group 2 (24.02%), group 3 (22.22%) and group 4 (1.8%) respondents. In the scale of emotions in 84 respondents (43.0%) the impact on quality of life was serious, in the scale of symptoms in 96 (48%) was moderate, and in the scale of social and physical functioning 106 (55%) also had a moderate impact on quality of life, as well as in the total score of 94 respondents (47%). There was a statistically significant difference in the scale of social and physical functioning in the presence of skin changes in group 1 (x2 = 7.95; df = 3, p = 0.045) and group 3 (x2 = 12.48, df = 3; p = 0.006), and in the total score of Skindex-29 when it comes to changes in the skin of group 3 (x2 = 7.26, df = 3, p = 0.05). Conclusion: the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus which have skin changes is significantly reduced.

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic skin ailment, which can be connected with other ailments including dyslipidemia. Examinees and methods: Research included 70 patients affected by psoriasis. Both genders, above 18 years of age. Average age of the respondents was 47.14 (SD= ±15.41), which consisted of 36 men (51.43%) and 34 women (48.57%). The average duration of psoriasis was 15.52 (SD= ±12.54) years. Results: Frequency of dyslipidemia on those affected by psoriasis was 62.85%. Most often it was hypertriglyceridemia (39%) and hypertriglyceridemia with a lowered value of HDL (36%), average age of those affected by psoriasis with dyslipidemia was 48.76 years (SD= ±14.72), and the average duration of the basic disease was 16.15 years (SD= ±12.63), the average values of the PASI score were 16.65. Increase in values of PASI score and dyslipidemia were statistically significantly connected (r=0.41; p=0.0001). Conclusion: Psoriasis is connected with dyslipidemia.

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic skin ailment which can be connected with an increased occurrence of other illnesses, including high blood pressure. Examinees and methods: A prospective study has been conducted which included 70 patients affected by psoriasis, both genders, older than 18 years. Average age being 47,14 (SD= ±15,41) years, from that there were 36 men or 51,43 and 34 women or 48,57%. Average duration of psoriasis was 15,52 (SD=±12,54) years. Results: Frequency of high blood pressure in those affected by psoriasis was 54,28%. Average age of the patients with psoriasis and high blood pressure was 53,79 year (SD=±14,15) and average duration of psoriasis was 17,19 years (SD=±13,51). Average values of PASI score were 16,65. Increase in values of PASI score and high blood pressure were statistically highly related (r=0,36, p=0,0001). Conclusion: Psoriasis was related to high blood pressure and there was a correlation between the severity of psoriasis and high blood pressure.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this work was to determine the quality of life in patients with heart failure using the SF-36 and Minnesota questionnaire and to determine the importance of applying Framingham criteria as predictors of the value of these questionnaires. PATIENTS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed the quality of life in 120 subjects of both sexes and all age groups suffering from heart failure, according to the severity of clinical presentation. Subjects were divided into 4 equal groups according to NYHA classification of heart failure. Selection of subjects was made using the Framingham criteria for confirming already diagnosed heart failure. Control group included 30 patients not suffering from heart failure. Quality of life was assessed by use of the SF-36 and Minnesota questionnaire. RESULTS In the study population of 150 subjects, there were 76 (51%) male and 74 (49%) female subjects divided into 4 NYHA groups of 30 subjects (20.0%) and control group of 30 subjects (20.0%). The analysis of within-group sex representation yielded no statistically significant difference (chi2 = 1.70, df = 4; p = 0.79). There was no statistically significant between-group age difference either (ANOVA, F = 0.74; p = 0.57). The values of SF-36 and Minnesota score expressed as median in the control and 4 NYHA groups were 98.6, 90.76, 70.14, 36.45 and 25.41 (Ht = 116.84; p < 0.0001) and 0.0, 0.47, 1.64, 2.99 and 3.42 (Ht = 113.42; p < 0.0001), respectively. The correlation coefficient r between heart failure NYHA classes expressed in the values of SF-36 and Minnesota score was r = -0950; p < 0.0001 and r = 0.931; p < 0.0001, respectively. The correlation coefficient r between the number of major and minor Framingham criteria and the values of SF-36 and Minnesota score was r = -0.790, -0.660; p < 0.0001 and r = 0.774, 0.671; p < 0.0001, respectively. CONCLUSION The findings suggested that the quality of life in patients with heart failure was impaired and associated with the severity of clinical presentation, and that Framingham criteria could serve as significant predictors of the value of SF-36 and Minnesota scores and quality of life in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE To determine the quality of life in adolescents with acne vulgaris in relation to the severity of clinical picture and sex using the Skindex-29 general questionnaire. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using a sectional study, the quality of life was analyzed in 90 adolescents of both sexes, aged 16 to 21 years, who were suffering from acne vulgaris. The study was conducted between January 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009, at Department of Dermatovenereology, Dr. Irfan Ljubijankić Cantonal Hospital in Biha6. According to the type of efflorescence, its localization and severity of clinical features, respondents were classified in three groups: group 1 consisted of adolescents with acne comedonica, group 2 with acne papulopustulosa, and group 3 with acne conglobata. The quality of life in these adolescents suffering from acne vulgaris was evaluated by using the general Skindex-29 questionnaire consisting of 30 questions grouped into three scales (scale of emotions, symptom scale, and scale of social and physical functioning) about the psychological impact of acne on the quality of life. RESULTS In the study group, there were 54 (60%) female and 36 (40%) male respondents, mean age 17.5 (range 15.6-20.6) years. Of the total number of patients with acne vulgaris, nine (4 female and 5 male; 10%) had acne comedonica (group 1), 72 (46 female and 26 male; 80%) acne papulopustulosa (group 2) and nine (4 female and 5 male; 10%) acne conglobata (group 3) (p > 0.95). Skindex-29 values expressed as mean +/- SD or median (range) in groups 1,2 and 3 were as follows: on the scale of emotions 43.1 +/- 22.2, 60.4 +/- 20.1 and 52.5 +/- 28.7 (p = 0.084); on the scale of symptoms 26.5 +/- 15.4, 49.0 +/- 20.5 and 42.95 +/- 26.1 (p = 0.039); and on the scale of functioning 23.4 +/- 24.6, 36.0 +/- 23.2 and 34.8 +/- 30.9 (p = 0.341), with cumulative score of 31.0 +/- 10.5, 47.5 +/- 12.0 and 43.44 +/- 8.8 (p = 0.069), respectively. Skindex-29 values were expressed as median (range) in women and men in all three groups, as follows: women, scale of emotions 44.0 (27.5-60), 64.0 (10-90) and 62.5 (5-83) (p = 0.25); scale of symptoms 32.7 (21.5-42.4), 54.2 (17.6-90) and 63.5 (17.8-92) (p = 0.17); scale of functioning 22.2 (2-46.5), 39.2 (0-90) and 51.6 (0-83) (p = 0.31); and men, scale of emotions 30.0 (22.5-90), 55.5 (7.5-100) and 40.2 (30-97.5) (p = 0.26); scale of symptoms 11.9 (4-50), 54.0 (0-75) and 28.5 (17.8-42.8) (p = 0.003); and scale of functioning 13.0 (5-77), 31.7 (0-84) and 14.6 (4.5-72.9) (p = 0.58). CONCLUSION Acne vulgaris affects the quality of life in adolescents involved regardless of the severity of the clinical picture, with a pronounced impact in women.

Objective. To determine anxiety and depression levels inadolescents with acne vulgaris in relation to clinical severityand gender. Patients and methods. Using a sectional study,the anxiety and depression level was analyzed of 90 adolescentsof both sexes, aged 16 to 21 years, who were sufferingfrom acne vulgaris. The study was conducted between February1st 2008 and January 31st 2009 at the Dermatovenerologydepartment of the Cantonal Hospital “Dr. Irfan Ljubijankic”,Bihac. According to the type of efflorescence, its localizationand severity of clinical features, respondents were classifiedin three groups: the first group consisted of adolescents withmild forms of acne, the second group had moderate formsof acne and the third had severe forms of acne. Evaluationof anxiety levels in patients with acne vulgaris was made usingSTAI questionnaire (Spielberger’s state and trait AnxietyInventory) that consists of 20 questions about the essentialcharacteristics of anxiety as the condition, and the level ofdepression was determined using the BDS-scale (Back DepressionInventory) which consists of 18 items that were usedby the respondents to perform self-evaluation of depressionlevel. Results. In the study group there were 54 (60%) femalerespondents and 36 (40%) male, mean age 17.5 years (range15.6-20.6). Of the total number of patients with acne vulgaris,nine of them or 10% (4 female and 5 male) had a mild form ofacne (first group), 72 of them or 80% (46 female and 26 male)a moderate form of acne (second group) and 9 of them or 10% (4 female and 5 male) a severe form of acne (third group)(p > 0.95). 1.1% of the respondents had an exceptionally lowanxiety level, 13.3% had low level, moderate 76.8% and 8.8%had a high level. 37.8% had distinct signs of depression, therisk group consisted of 44.4%, and a normal value was foundin 17.7%. The values of the STAI questionnaire expressed asmedian (range) in the first, second and third groups were 58.7(39-70), 57.7 (20-70) and 60.2 (40-70) (p = 0.36), while thevalues of the BDS scale within the same groups were 13.4 (8-16), 15.1 (3-29) and 14.4 (7-24) (p = 0.367). Conclusion. Thelevel of depression and anxiety in patients with acne vulgarisis not related to severity and patient sex.

Objective. To determine anxiety and depression levels inadolescents with acne vulgaris in relation to clinical severityand gender. Patients and methods. Using a sectional study,the anxiety and depression level was analyzed of 90 adolescentsof both sexes, aged 16 to 21 years, who were sufferingfrom acne vulgaris. The study was conducted between February1st 2008 and January 31st 2009 at the Dermatovenerologydepartment of the Cantonal Hospital “Dr. Irfan Ljubijankic”,Bihac. According to the type of efflorescence, its localizationand severity of clinical features, respondents were classifiedin three groups: the first group consisted of adolescents withmild forms of acne, the second group had moderate formsof acne and the third had severe forms of acne. Evaluationof anxiety levels in patients with acne vulgaris was made usingSTAI questionnaire (Spielberger’s state and trait AnxietyInventory) that consists of 20 questions about the essentialcharacteristics of anxiety as the condition, and the level ofdepression was determined using the BDS-scale (Back DepressionInventory) which consists of 18 items that were usedby the respondents to perform self-evaluation of depressionlevel. Results. In the study group there were 54 (60%) femalerespondents and 36 (40%) male, mean age 17.5 years (range15.6-20.6). Of the total number of patients with acne vulgaris,nine of them or 10% (4 female and 5 male) had a mild form ofacne (first group), 72 of them or 80% (46 female and 26 male)a moderate form of acne (second group) and 9 of them or 10% (4 female and 5 male) a severe form of acne (third group)(p > 0.95). 1.1% of the respondents had an exceptionally lowanxiety level, 13.3% had low level, moderate 76.8% and 8.8%had a high level. 37.8% had distinct signs of depression, therisk group consisted of 44.4%, and a normal value was foundin 17.7%. The values of the STAI questionnaire expressed asmedian (range) in the first, second and third groups were 58.7(39-70), 57.7 (20-70) and 60.2 (40-70) (p = 0.36), while thevalues of the BDS scale within the same groups were 13.4 (8-16), 15.1 (3-29) and 14.4 (7-24) (p = 0.367). Conclusion. Thelevel of depression and anxiety in patients with acne vulgarisis not related to severity and patient sex.

Objective – To determine the quality of life for adolescents with acne vulgaris in relation to clinical severity and sex.  Patients and methods – Using a sectional study the quality of life has been analyzed for 90 adolescents of both sexes, aged 16 to 21 years, who were suffering from acne vulgaris. The study was conducted between January 1st 2008th and January 31st 2009th at the Dermatovenerology department of the Cantonal Hospital » Dr. Irfan LjubijankiA‡ « , Bihac. According to the type of efflorescence, its localization and severity of clinical features, respondents were classified in three groups: the first group were the adolescents with Acne comedonica, the second group had Acne papulopustulosa and the third one had Acne conglobata. Evaluation of quality of life in these adolescents suffering from acne vulgaris was conducted with a specific CAD index (Cardiff Acne Disability Index), consisting of five questions about the psychological impact of acne on the quality of life.  Results – In the study group there were 54 (60%) female respondents and 36 (40%) males, mean age 17.5 years (range 15.6-20.6). Of the total number of patients with acne vulgaris, nine of them or 10% (4 female and 5 male) had Acne comedonica (first group), 72 of them or 80% (46 female and 26 male) Acne papulopustulosa (second group) and 9 of them or 10% (4 female and 5 male) Acne conglobata (third group) (p>0.95). CAD index values that were expressed as mean ± SD or median (range), in the first, second and third groups were 48 ± 3.2, 9.1 ± 3.8, or 10.2 ± 5.4 (p = 0.008), where women had 6 (2-8), 9 (1-15) respectively 13.5 (5-15) (p = 0.04), and men had 3 (2-11), 9 (0-15) respectively 9 (1-15) (p = 0.36).  Conclusion – The impact of acne vulgaris on quality of life for adolescents was more pronounced for more serious clinical forms of acne, which was reflected in women but not men.