Quality of Life Measurement in Patients With Psoriasis at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Surat, Gujarat

BACKGROUND is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis characterized by erythematous, scaly lesions covering extensive areas of the with prevalence of 2-3% in the general population. Psoriasis do not affect survival often, but has major negative effects on of life of patients. - Assessment of the quality of life and psychological distress in patients diagnosed with psoriasis. AND METHODS 100 consecutive consenting patients with psoriasis of age more than 16 years and of both sexes were assessed. The study attended dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care centre. Clinical severity of disease was measured using area severity index (PASI) and psoriasis disability index (PDI). Psychological distress was measured by hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS). Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficients. 44% of the patients were diagnosed with anxiety and 21% with depression. Significant correlation was noted between the PASI , PDI and HADS. Among the two groups of patients based on their PASI scores; group I (PASI < 18); group II (PASI > 18) the mean of the PDI and its subdivisions in each of the clinical severity groups were compared. Results revealed that the PDI and all its subdivisions (except questions relating to leisure and treatment) were significantly higher in group II (PASI > 18). study suggests that severely affected psoriasis patients require a holistic approach for treatment where both medical and measures should be taken into consideration.