Quality of Life of Patients with Psoriasis: A Study of 54 Patients in Bamako

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent inflammatory dermatosis occurring in genetically predisposed individuals. Its dramatic nature of the lesions, successive flare-ups, and skin discomfort may affect the quality of life of patients and result in a depressive tendency. Objective: To assess the impact of psoriasis on the quality of life of patients and the relationship between disease severity and quality of life. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Bamako from September 3, 2018 to August 30, 2019. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) were used to assess quality of life and factors of disease severity. Inclusion was based on clinical and histopathologic criteria. Questionable cases were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 106 cases of psoriasis were identified out of 24,000 consultations, i.e., a hospital frequency of 0.44%. Of these cases, 54 were included. Males accounted for 70% of the cases, and the average age was 37. The distribution of the social repercussions of the disease was as follows: disability (68.52%), non-participation in ceremonies (20.37%), stigmatization (18.52%), isolation (12.96%), work stoppage (11.11%), and non-sharing of meals (9.26%). However, the reception by caregivers was satisfactory in 96.30% of cases, and 85% of patients scored ≤ 10 on DLQI, suggesting that they had good quality of life. Among the patients with psoriasis, 35.04%, 12.96%, and 50.00% had mild, moderate, and severe disease, respectively. Conclusion: Quality of life is multifactorial and has no direct association with the severity of psoriasis. Dermatologists must take into account the dimensions of symptoms and psychological state when managing patients with psoriasis.