Health-related quality of life in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that has a significant impact on patients' lives.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to assess factors that might influence the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 110 outpatients with psoriasis. To assess the HRQoL, The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Skindex-29 were administered. Stressful life events during the last 12 months were assessed with Paykel's Interview for Recent Life Events.

RESULTS

HRQoL was significantly more impaired in older patients, those with age at onset of 40 years or more, who had a positive family history and who experienced stressful life events in the 12 months preceding the interview. Sex and clinical severity were not significantly related to patients' HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

Psoriasis patients have poorer HRQoL than the general population. This study supports the decision to use both generic and skin-specific instruments to assess the impact of psoriasis on HRQoL.