The economic burden and quality of life of patients with psoriasis treated with biologics in China

Abstract

Background Although biologics improve the quality of life of psoriasis patients, they also impose a substantial economic burden. There is a lack of research addressing the economic and humanistic impact of biologics in China. Objective This cross-sectional investigation aims to assess the economic cost, quality of life, and patient satisfaction among individuals with psoriasis treated with biologics and non-biologics. Methods From July 2021 to December 2022, eligible patients with psoriasis were recruited through both on-site and online questionnaire completion. The questionnaires collected sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics of psoriasis, economic costs associated with treatment, and the Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results 481 patients with a mean age of 40.8 ± 13.4 years old were included and classified into a non-biologic (n = 195) and biologic (n = 286) treatment group. The direct medical cost for non-biologics patients was 7,249 CNY, accounting for 70.0% of the total cost, while biologics patients incurred 15,176 CNY, making up 94.3% of the total cost. The non-biologic group had higher costs related to hospitalization, self-purchase of drugs, and indirect costs than the biologic treatment group. Additionally, DLQI scores were higher in the non-biologic group. Conclusion Patients in the biologic group experienced a higher economic burden and better quality of life than those in the non-biologic group.

Keywords

• psoriasis
• cost of illness
• biological treatments
• quality of life