| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2011 | Volume
: 56
| Issue : 6 | Page : 689-693 |
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Determinants of quality of life in psoriasis patients: A cluster analysis of 50 patients
Jaheersha Pakran, Najeeba Riyaz, G Nandakumar
Department of Dermatology, Calicut Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India
Correspondence Address:
Jaheersha Pakran
19/89 Nellicode Housing Colony, Kavu Stop, Chevayur P.O., Calicut 673016, Kerala
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0019-5154.91830
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Background: Although psoriasis generally does not affect survival, it certainly has a number of major negative effects on patients, demonstrable by a significant detriment to quality of life. Aims: We have done a study with the objective of assessing the clinical variables adversely affecting quality of life in patients diagnosed with psoriasis. Materials and Methods: This study is a cluster analysis of 50 consecutive consenting patients with psoriasis, of both sexes, aged over 18 years, attending the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care center. We measured the clinical severity using psoriasis area severity index and health-related quality of life using psoriasis disability index (PDI). Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired independent student's t-test, analysis of variance (and Scheffe's post hoc test as appropriate) and Pearson's correlation coefficients. Results: There was a significant correlation between the physician-rated severity of psoriasis and the extent of impact of psoriasis on physical disability as measured by the PDI. We have identified that a younger age at onset of disease and self-reported stress exacerbators suffer greater disability in most aspects of quality of life. Conclusions: On the basis of this study, we would recommend that psoriasis patients especially with severe disease require a more holistic treatment approach that encompasses both medical and psychological measures. |
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