The factors affecting quality of life in Thai psoriasis patients.

Abstract

To identify the factors that affect quality of life in Thai psoriasis patients. Data collected from 326 psoriasis patients that visited dermatology clinic at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between 2001 and 2007 was used. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to measure quality of life. Severity was evaluated by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Overall, psoriasis had moderate to very large negative effect on the patient's life. There was a tendency that elderly patients had a slightly better quality of life than younger adult and middle-age patients. However other demographic variables (i.e., gender, occupation, and income) had no influence on quality of life. This study also identified a linear trend of increased overall DLQI with greater PASI. Only older age and lesser severity of disease had association with few burdens in Thai psoriasis patients.