Psoriasis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Psoriasis, including details on treatment, prevention, medication, causes.

Determinants of quality of life in patients with psoriasis: a study from the US population.

Gelfand JM, Feldman SR, Stern RS, Thomas J, Rolstad T, Margolis DJ

Department of Dermatology and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, USA.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common disease with substantial effects on quality of life. Few quality of life studies have been performed in psoriasis patients from the general US population. OBJECTIVE: To describe the determinants of quality of life in psoriasis patients from the US population. METHODS: Patients were randomly selected from the US population. Patients who identified themselves as having been diagnosed with psoriasis by a physician were invited to complete a more detailed survey about quality of life. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-six psoriasis patients from the US population completed the detailed survey. Body surface area showed the strongest association with decrements in quality of life (Spearman 0.50, P < .0001). Younger patients and female patients also had statistically significant reductions in quality of life. Increasing psoriasis severity was associated with seeking care from multiple physicians and having decrements in income. CONCLUSION: Patients with more extensive skin involvement have greater reductions in quality of life. Female patients and young patients are affected to a greater extent.

Published 3 November 2004 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 51(5): 704-8.
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