Psoriasis is a chronic disease with a multidimensional impact that extends beyond skin symptoms, affecting physical, emotional, social well-being and satisfaction with care. This study aims to explore the perceived self-reported impact of psoriasis on patients' well-being across different life stages and to identify risk and protective factors associated with well-being over time.
Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire administered to adult patients with psoriasis and healthcare professionals involved in psoriasis management. Patients retrospectively self-reported the perceived impact of psoriasis on overall well-being and its physical, emotional, social, and treatment-related domains across consecutive 10-year life stages. Both patients and healthcare professionals evaluated perceived risk and protective factors for well-being.
Results
A total of 53 patients and 54 healthcare professionals completed the questionnaire. Most patients (90.6%) reported psoriasis had negatively affected their general well-being at some point during the disease course, with the physical (90.6%) and emotional (88.7%) domains being the most impacted. The highest perceived burden was reported between 31 and 40 years of age. Better reported symptom control was associated with lower perceived impairment in well-being. Key risk factors included affected body areas (95.3%), comorbidities (93.5%), and disease severity (89.7%), whereas appropriate treatment (96.3%), adequate medical care (93.5%), and a positive physician-patient relationship (89.7%) were identified as protective factors.
Conclusion
These exploratory findings suggest that the self-reported perceived impact of psoriasis on well-being varies across life stages and is strongly influenced by symptom control and holistic disease management. These findings support a longitudinal, patient-centered approach to optimize long-term well-being.
