The medical and social impact of the disease in patients with psoriatic arthritis

Abstract

Introduction. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is chronic disease associated with considerable psychological burden and impaired quality of life (QoL). The objective of the study was to determine the medical and social status of patients with PsA, to optimize the management of these patients and increase their QoL. Material and Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study in which were included patients with PsA. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a special questionnaire, including employment and profesional status, information related to disease onset and duration, clinical overview related to the disease. In order to apreciate the burden of PsA, we applied the Rankin’s scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Short Form 8 (SF-8), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) and Disease Activity score in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), Patient Global Assessment (PGA) to assess the disease activity. Results. 92 PsA patients were enrolled in the study. Male to female ratio was 1.09:1, the patient’s mean age was 48.53±11.42 years. According to DAPSA, patients had moderate to high disease activity. 34.78% of patients from the group of study were full-time employees. The assessment of work productivity by WPAI determined a level of absenteeism of 9.39±11.79% and presenteeism of 37.57±27.31%. The QoL in PsA patients was diminished in both mental and physical domains; the average HAQ score value was 0.61, which indicates a moderate functional status. According to Rankin’s scale, the most frequent degree was the 2nd, found in 32 (34.78 %) patients. Conclusions. Patients with PsA have medium/low medical and social status, caused by low physical functionality and psychological problems. To optimize the management of patients with PsA, it is necessary to integrate rheumatological, dermatological, psychological and social services.

Keywords

• psoriatic arthritis
• disability
• medical and social status