Quality of life of patients living with psoriasis: a qualitative study

Background Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease prevalent in dermatology. We aimed to understand the perceptions of patients living with psoriasis in relation to their quality of life and to identify aspects to improve it. Methods This is qualitative research carried out in a dermatolo...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Meneguin, Silmara [UNESP], Godoy, Natalia Aparecida de [UNESP], Pollo, Camila Fernandes [UNESP], Miot, Helio Amante [UNESP], Oliveira, Cesar de
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2020
Country:Brasil
Institution:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repository:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/209759
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12895-020-00116-9
http://hdl.handle.net/11449/209759
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Psoriasis
Quality of life
Dermatology
Nursing
Description
Summary:Background Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease prevalent in dermatology. We aimed to understand the perceptions of patients living with psoriasis in relation to their quality of life and to identify aspects to improve it. Methods This is qualitative research carried out in a dermatology outpatient clinic of the Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) medical school, Botucatu, Brazil, with 81 psoriasis patients. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method (DCS). Results Quality of life was linked to well-being, happiness, leisure, good food and financial stability. However, disease symptoms, social and clothing restrictions, impairment of professional activities and the absence of a cure, negatively influenced their perceptions. Suggestions for improvements included an increase of public awareness, stress reduction, disease acceptance and multidisciplinary care. Conclusion The meanings of quality of life revealed by the participants are subjective, multidimensional, linked to moments experienced by them and to the health-disease process. Public health policies promoting reduction in social stigma and stress as well as multidisciplinary approaches towards care can contribute to improvements of QoL in psoriasis.