A study of the knowledge, attitude and behavior among patients with psoriasis vulgaris during the COVID-19 lockdown period

Abstract

Background: Patients with psoriasis may have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown and this may have had a significant effect on disease severity and treatment compliance. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and the behavioral practices of patients with psoriasis during the lockdown period.Methods: A self-assessed questionnaire was employed for the purpose of this study and was answered by 100 patients of clinically diagnosed psoriasis.Results: Although several patients were aware of their condition and its implications, a significant number of responders were found to have a faulty treatment compliance due to the COVID-19 lockdown.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the knowledge, attitude and behaviour during the COVID-19 lockdown period of individuals who have been clinically diagnosed with psoriasis. This study raises the possibility that the sustained psychosocial stress induced by the current pandemic can potentially lead to exacerbations or onset of common inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis. The overall compliance to dermatologic therapy was slightly poor as there were frequent concerns regarding the safety of visiting a hospital or a doctor as well as possible financial constraints. As per this study, there is an urgent need to convey the right information about managing psoriasis during the COVID-19 pandemic among both the general population and patients alike.