Chris S Baker1, Peter A Foley, Anna Braue. 1. Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. chris.baker2@svhm.org.au
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Internationally, the understanding of psoriasis has advanced in recent years to the point now where it is no longer considered a benign or cosmetic skin condition but a systemic, immune-mediated disease associated with significant comorbidities and considerable detriment to quality of life. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the physical, psychosocial and medical burden of psoriasis on Australian adults and the impact on health status. METHODS: Two large-scale multi-centre cross-sectional studies of Australian adults with psoriasis were conducted during 2010 and 2011, with the participation of a national patient representative group (Psoriasis Australia). The studies were based on detailed questionnaires that were self-completed by individuals with psoriasis. RESULTS: A total of 362 and 330 completed surveys were received in 2010 and 2011, respectively. A significant physical, psychosocial and medical burden was reported by the respondents. It was noteworthy that patients reported actively concealing their disease from the general public (83%), work colleagues (65%), friends (58%), employers (49%), family (40%), close friends (39%) and spouse/partner (20%). The mean five-dimension European quality of life (EQ-5D) score for the 2011 cohort was 0.73, representing a significant impact on their HRQoL. The presence of comorbidities, found in three-quarters of the cohort, was associated with an even greater detriment to their HRQoL (mean score 0.64). CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis imposes a significant psychosocial burden on the lives of patients, including a profound impact upon their personal and professional relationships, social interactions and quality of life, to a degree comparable to other serious chronic conditions. This study highlights the importance of collaboration between primary and specialist health-care providers in developing patient management strategies that address the spectrum of physical and psychological manifestations associated with psoriasis.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Internationally, the understanding of psoriasis has advanced in recent years to the point now where it is no longer considered a benign or cosmetic skin condition but a systemic, immune-mediated disease associated with significant comorbidities and considerable detriment to quality of life. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the physical, psychosocial and medical burden of psoriasis on Australian adults and the impact on health status. METHODS: Two large-scale multi-centre cross-sectional studies of Australian adults with psoriasis were conducted during 2010 and 2011, with the participation of a national patient representative group (Psoriasis Australia). The studies were based on detailed questionnaires that were self-completed by individuals with psoriasis. RESULTS: A total of 362 and 330 completed surveys were received in 2010 and 2011, respectively. A significant physical, psychosocial and medical burden was reported by the respondents. It was noteworthy that patients reported actively concealing their disease from the general public (83%), work colleagues (65%), friends (58%), employers (49%), family (40%), close friends (39%) and spouse/partner (20%). The mean five-dimension European quality of life (EQ-5D) score for the 2011 cohort was 0.73, representing a significant impact on their HRQoL. The presence of comorbidities, found in three-quarters of the cohort, was associated with an even greater detriment to their HRQoL (mean score 0.64). CONCLUSIONS:Psoriasis imposes a significant psychosocial burden on the lives of patients, including a profound impact upon their personal and professional relationships, social interactions and quality of life, to a degree comparable to other serious chronic conditions. This study highlights the importance of collaboration between primary and specialist health-care providers in developing patient management strategies that address the spectrum of physical and psychological manifestations associated with psoriasis.
Authors: Rachael J Thorneloe; Christopher E M Griffiths; Darren M Ashcroft; Lis Cordingley Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2017-02-07 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: P A Nelson; K Kane; C J Pearce; C Bundy; A Chisholm; R Hilton; R Thorneloe; H Young; C E M Griffiths; L Cordingley Journal: Br J Dermatol Date: 2017-08-17 Impact factor: 9.302
Authors: Pauline A Nelson; Karen Kane; Anna Chisholm; Christina J Pearce; Christopher Keyworth; Martin K Rutter; Carolyn A Chew-Graham; Christopher E M Griffiths; Lis Cordingley Journal: Health Expect Date: 2015-09-04 Impact factor: 3.377