Quality of Life in Psoriasis Patients and Its Correlation with Disease Severity

Background & Objective:  Psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing disease with a prevalence of ۲%. Since it is a chronic and non-fatal skin disease, its impact on quality of life in patients is underestimated compared to other diseases. This study points out to the importance of the quality of life in these patients and their correlation with disease severity. Materials & Methods:  Quality of life of psoriasis patients was assessed by using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and psoriasis severity was measured, using Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). DLQI were compared regarding age, gender and affected areas in patients. Results:  Among ۱۳۵ patients, ۶۷ (۴۹.۶%) were male and ۶۸ (۵۰.۴%) were female. The mean age of subjects was ۴۱.۴۹±۱۵.۴۳ years (ranging from ۱۷ to ۸۳ years). The mean DLQI score was ۱۰.۷۳±۷.۳ (ranging from ۰ to ۲۶). Independent t-test showed that the mean DLQI score was significantly greater in women than men (P=۰.۰۳۱) Spearman test showed positive correlation between DLQI and age as well as PASI and DLQI. Conclusion:  Results of this study showed a positive and significant correlation between PASI score and quality of life of patients, which implies that with increasing the severity of the disease, the effect of psoriasis on patientschr('۳۹') quality of life increases as well.

Keywords:

Psoriasis , Quality of life , Dermatology