Assessment of quality of life in patients with psoriasis in upper Egypt

ABSTRACT

This study examined a consecutive sample of 100 psoriatic patients. The distribution of psoriatic lesions was mapped on body diagrams and assessed as the percentage of body area affected. The psoriasis disability index [PDI] questionnaire was used to assess the impact of psoriasis on quality of life. The results showed that the highest PDI scores were those of questions concerned with work, the effect of treatment on home messiness or untidiness and frequency of bathing. Social disability was manifested since disease condition prevented 94% of patients from going out socially. Social function was affected in 85.7% of those with mild psoriasis and 93.6% of those with moderate and 100% of those with extensive disease. The lowest scores were those related to the practice of sports and frequency of going to the hairdresser. The total PDI score correlated positively with extent of disease [r = 0.356]. The mean PDI score was significantly higher in those with joint affection, hand/feet affection and face/scalp affection compared with those without such affections