Quality of life of patients living with psoriasis: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease prevalent in dermatology. We aimed to understand the perceptions of patients living with psoriasis in relation to their quality of life and to identify aspects to improve it. Methods This is qualitative research carried out in a dermatology outpatient clinic of the São Paulo State University (UNESP) medical school, Botucatu, Brazil, with 81 psoriasis patients. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method (DCS). Results Quality of life was linked to well-being, happiness, leisure, good food and financial stability. However, disease symptoms, social and clothing restrictions, impairment of professional activities and the absence of a cure, negatively influenced their perceptions. Suggestions for improvements included an increase of public awareness, stress reduction, disease acceptance and multidisciplinary care. Conclusion The meanings of quality of life revealed by the participants are subjective, multidimensional, linked to moments experienced by them and to the health-disease process. Public health policies promoting reduction in social stigma and stress as well as multidisciplinary approaches towards care can contribute to improvements of QoL in psoriasis.

Sharing Patient and Clinician Experiences of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: A Nationwide Italian Survey and Expert Opinion to Explore Barriers Impacting upon Patient Wellbeing

“…The social and psychological impact of psoriasis is generally underestimated by healthcare professionals [ 25 , 26 , 27 ] and endpoints used in clinical studies do not capture the full impact of this condition [ 28 ]. Therefore, the perception of QoL is considered a critical measure in dermatology [ 29 , 30 ] and there is an urgent need to refine QoL measures to identify issues not frequently included in QoL instruments in clinical practice.…”

Impact of moderate-to-severe psoriasis on quality of life in China: a qualitative study

“…Research has shown that patients with psoriasis report physical discomfort and limitations in their daily activities and social contacts [ 15 , 16 ]. They also experience severe itching and pain, as well as plaques coming loose and falling from their skin [ 17 ]. These symptoms can cause significant distress and feelings of embarrassment and shame, with significant impacts on functioning across social and employment domains [ 17 ].…”

“…They also experience severe itching and pain, as well as plaques coming loose and falling from their skin [ 17 ]. These symptoms can cause significant distress and feelings of embarrassment and shame, with significant impacts on functioning across social and employment domains [ 17 ]. The visible nature of psoriasis can cause stigma, lowered self-image, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation [ 18 ].…”

Evidence-Based Treatment of Severe Psoriasis by Individualised Homoeopathy: Case Reports

“…2 Psoriasis impacts the physical, emotional and social well-being of patients thereby diminishing their quality of life. 6 Several tools are available to measure and quantify psoriasis. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score is most thoroughly validated for the assessment of clinical severity of psoriasis.…”