The impact of stress, stigmatization, and psychological morbidity on the quality of life in psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic and disabling dermatological disorder. The quality of life (QoL) in psoriasis is determined not only by clinical factors such as the type and extent of lesions but also by important psychosocial variables such as stressful live events, stigmatization, and psychological morbidity. Aims and Objectives: To assess the clinical and psychosocial determinants of QoL in psoriasis. Methodology: Using a cross-sectional, hospital-based study design, outpatients with psoriasis were administered the psoriasis disability index, psoriasis severity (simplified psoriasis index), psoriasis life stress inventory (PLSI), 6-item stigmatization scale, and 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Results: The sample consisted of 39 psoriasis patients with a mean age of 41.77 years (standard deviation 13.15). Psoriasis vulgaris was the most common variant. Multiple regression analysis showed that among the clinical and psychosocial variables, only psychological morbidity (GHQ-12) significantly predicted psoriasis QoL (β = 0.314, t = 2.05, P < 0.049). Conclusion: Psychological factors are pivotal in determining QoL in psoriasis and need to be routinely assessed in dermatological settings.

Keywords

• psoriasis
• psychological morbidity
• quality of life
• stigmatization
• stress