Assessment of Self-esteem and Quality of Life of Patients with Anogenital Warts: A Cross-sectional, Hospital-based Study, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anogenital wart, a manifestation of infection with the Human papillomavirus, the commonest sexually transmitted infection globally. It affects not just the physical health, but also the psychological well-being, self-esteem and quality of life of patients. However, data on the psychological effects of this disease among Nigerians is limited. Objective: To assess the self-esteem and quality of life of patients with anogenital warts attending a tertiary healthcare facility in Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study, was conducted among 97 patients with clinically diagnosed anogenital warts attending the Genito-urinary Medicine Clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between March 2018 and April 2023. Participants were recruited consecutively. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.4 ± 9.4 years, and most were aged 20–29 years (71.0%). Low self-esteem was observed in 16.5% of participants. Anogenital warts negatively affected QoL in 80.9% of participants, with moderate, large, and extremely large effects observed in 23.4%, 18.1%, and 4.3%, respectively. Males demonstrated significantly greater QoL impairment than females (median DLQI: 8 vs. 4; p=0.022). The most affected DLQI domain was symptoms/feelings. Conclusion: Anogenital warts exert a substantial negative impact on quality of life despite relatively preserved self-esteem in most patients. Comprehensive management should incorporate psychological assessment, counselling, and sexual health education alongside lesion-directed therapy.