Determinants of quality of life in psoriasis patients: A cluster analysis of 50 patients

Abstract

Background:Although psoriasis generally does not affect survival, it certainly has a number of major negative effects on patients, demonstrable by a significant detriment to quality of life.Aims:We have done a study with the objective of assessing the clinical variables adversely affecting quality of life in patients diagnosed with psoriasis.Materials and Methods:This study is a cluster analysis of 50 consecutive consenting patients with psoriasis, of both sexes, aged over 18 years, attending the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care center. We measured the clinical severity using psoriasis area severity index and health-related quality of life using psoriasis disability index (PDI). Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired independent student's t-test, analysis of variance (and Scheffe's post hoc test as appropriate) and Pearson's correlation coefficients.Results:There was a significant correlation between the physician-rated severity of psoriasis and the extent of impact of psoriasis on physical disability as measured by the PDI. We have identified that a younger age at onset of disease and self-reported stress exacerbators suffer greater disability in most aspects of quality of life.Conclusions:On the basis of this study, we would recommend that psoriasis patients especially with severe disease require a more holistic treatment approach that encompasses both medical and psychological measures.

Relationship between health behaviors and quality of life on the one hand and satisfaction with health condition on the other hand in patients with psoriasis

“…The more patients with psoriasis showed behavior aimed at avoiding too strong negative emotions, stress and tension the more often they indicated higher quality of life and satisfaction with their health condition. The observed relationships are consistent with the reports of other researchers who have shown that psychological factors may influence the severity of skin changes in psoriasis [8,9]. The foregoing relationship is especially associated with stressors and ability to cope with stress.…”

“…During recent years scientists have attempted to identify behavioral markers which may directly or indirectly contribute to the severity of skin changes in psoriasis. It is suggested that undertaking activities with positive effect on health while limiting anti-healthy behaviors may reduce the severity of symptoms [7,8].…”

Psoriazis Hastalarının Hastalıklarıyla İlgili Bilgi, İnanış ve Tutumları

“…Lokalize eritemli skuamlı plaklardan jeneralize şiddetli tutuluma kadar değişen klinikte seyredebilen psoriasis, remisyon ve nüks dönemleri ile hayat boyu devam edebilir ve tam iyileşme nadiren sağlanabilir [4][5][6] . Sıklıkla yaşam süresini etkilemez; ancak hastaların yaşam kalitesi üzerine olan etkisi oldukça dramatiktir [5][6][7] . Hastalar psoriasis lezyonları nedeniyle kendilerini toplumdan dışlanmış hissederler.…”

Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Psoriasis in Comparison with Normal Subjects in Shiraz Iran

“…Also other studies have shown low self-esteem and high levels of anxiety due to emotions like anger and shame in patients with psoriasis resulting from changes in appearance (14,15). Different studies have found that symptoms' severity and the area of the skin affected can have impact on the QOL (8,9,(11)(12)(13)16). The more severe the symptoms, the more likely patients are to have working day off and decreased productivity (10,13).…”

“…Studies have shown that the extent of reduction of HRQOL by psoriasis is similar to that caused by other chronic diseases such as diabetes, ischemic heart disease and cancers (6). Several studies have been conducted to measure the QOL of patients with psoriasis and its determinants (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). A systematic review of psoriatic patients' quality of life (QOL) indicated physical and emotional problems and poor functioning, and negative body and self-image in the affected people.…”