INSIDE OUT*: An Assessment of the Health-Related Quality of Life of Filipinos with Psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease affecting 125 million people worldwide, including 1.9 million Filipinos. Although there are various forms of treatment, there is no cure. Symptoms can be mild to severe, and consists of inflamed, scaly red plaques. The severity of the symptoms which could appear at any age can significantly impact daily life and carry a substantial burden. Furthermore, there is a lack of local studies that aims to assess the quality of life of Filipinos with psoriasis. Objective: The general objective of this study is to assess the health-related quality of life of adult Filipinos with psoriasis. Methods: A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods was used in the study. 125 Psoriasis Philippines' members rated their severity and completed the Simplified Psoriasis Index Self- Assessment Form and the Psoriasis Disability Index. Qualitative research interviews were done with 10 respondents. Results: Psoriasis dramatically impacts quality of life. Respondents reported feelings of anger (77%), nervousness (89%), anxiety (86%), embarrassment (84%) and self-consciousness (83%) with their psoriasis. Respondents also reported problems in sleeping (87.2%), walking (84%), sitting for long periods (69.6%), and standing for long periods of time (86.4%) because of their psoriasis. Seventy four percent consider their psoriasis to be a large problem in everyday life. Psoriasis also negatively impacts ability to work. Seventy six percent of the respondents reported that psoriasis negatively affects their job. Respondents (76%) reported that they missed days from work because of their psoriasis, and many of those days missed are to receive treatment. Mean morbidity duration was 12.15 years and mean PDI score was 51.41 (maximum and minimum scores: 111 and 1 respectively). The severity, age and site of lesions are associated with negative impacts on the quality of life of patients with psoriasis. Discussion: Psoriasis can reduce the patient's quality of life. These findings provide significant new insights into factors that affect the life quality of patients with psoriasis in the Philippines.