RESUMO
Objective To determine the impact of psoriasis on quality of life [QoL] using Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] in patients of psoriasis presenting in a tertiary care setting
Methods An observational study was carried out at Department of Dermatology, King Edward Medical University/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore from May 2013 till November 2013. A total of 200 patients compatible with inclusion criteria were enrolled after taking informed consent and were asked to fill DLQI questionnaires
Results Out of 200 patients, there were 107 males and 93 females. The mean age was 34.89+/-14.96 years while the mean DLQI score was 11.51+/-4.81. There were 58 [29 percent] married and 142 [71 percent] unmarried patients in the present study. Patients with moderate psoriasis were 184 with PASI score 40-60 and mean DLQI score 11.14+/-4.55 whereas 16 patients had severe psoriasis with PASI score 60-72 and mean DLQI score 15.8+/-5.68. The maximum mean DLQI score was highest for question 10 [treatment] followed by question 1 and 2 [symptoms and feelings]
Conclusion Psoriasis is a serious condition and is associated with significantly lower quality of life regardless of age, gender, duration and severity of disease or marital status