QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL –A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is linked with social stigmatization, pain, discomfort, physical disability and psychological distress. It has a significant negative impact on quality of life. Since there is paucity of the data related to quality of life assessment in Indian psoriatic patients, this study was an earnest attempt in this direction The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of psoriasis on the quality of life in patients with psoriasis.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in 60 patients at Dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. The quality of life assessment was done by DLQI questionnaire in patients above the age of 16 years.

Results: The Health related Quality of Life was assessed by DLQI questionnaire in 60 patients at Dermatology outpatient department. The M: F ratio was 2.16:1. The mean DLQI score was 8.95 ± 8.48 (Mean ± SD) and 66.7% of the patients had moderate to extremely large impact on the quality of life. Highest DLQI Mean score 15.21 was noted in younger (20-29 yrs) age group.

Conclusion: Psoriasis is chronic recurring disease and has significant negative impact on patients' quality of life. These findings provide significant new insights into factors that affect the life quality of patients with psoriasis.