A Prospective Study of Health-Related Quality of Life Impairment and Psychosocial Burden in Patients with Psoriasis at a Tertiary Hospital in Andhra Pradesh

Research Article

Abstract

Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disorder affecting both cutaneous surfaces and joints. Its recurrent nature inflicts significant negative impacts on the physical, psychosocial, and emotional health of those affected. Symptoms frequently deteriorate if left unmanaged, often leading to psoriatic arthritis in up to 40% of cases. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) serves as a standardized tool for quantifying these negative effects through ten specific parameters encompassing symptoms, daily habits, leisure, and social interactions. This prospective observational study involved 120 patients over a six-month period to measure lifestyle impacts. Analysis of the demographic data reveals that the 46–60 age group represents the most affected demographic, accounting for 37% of cases, with a higher prevalence in males at 55%. Socioeconomic evaluation indicates that 50% of the cohort belongs to the lower economic class. Among the specific DLQI metrics, pruritus and pain alongside the financial burden of treatment emerged as the primary drivers of quality-of-life impairment. While 60% of patients experienced a small effect on their daily life, significant proportions faced moderate to very large impairments. Clinical pharmacist interventions focusing on education and lifestyle modification, proves essential in mitigating the systemic burden of the disease