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The relative impact of psoriasis and obesity on socioeconomic and medical outcomes in psoriasis patients
Author(s) -
Kim G.E.,
Seidler E.,
Kimball A.B.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/jdv.12089
Subject(s) - psoriasis , medicine , overweight , body mass index , psychosocial , quality of life (healthcare) , obesity , dermatology life quality index , socioeconomic status , anxiety , psoriasis area and severity index , physical therapy , psychiatry , dermatology , population , environmental health , nursing
Background Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder that is associated with obesity. Independently, both psoriasis and obesity likely impose impressive physical and psychosocial burdens on affected patients. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative impact of body mass index ( BMI ) on the socioeconomic status, medical co‐morbidities, and current and chronic quality of life of psoriasis patients. Methods Overall, 114 subjects were examined and asked to complete a self‐administered questionnaire regarding disabilities, relationships, education, as well as medical and economic outcomes. Participants also answered the ten questions used in the Dermatology Life Quality Index modified to ask ‘over the last week’, ‘over the last year’ and ‘over your lifetime with psoriasis’. Survey responses were compared amongst the three patient groups based on BMI (normal, overweight, obese). Results Patients with elevated BMI were more likely to rate their general health lower ( P < 0.001), believe that psoriasis caused their weight gain ( P = 0.014), experience sleep problems over their lifetime ( P = 0.016), hide their psoriasis over their lifetime ( P = 0.010), have their self‐confidence affected by their psoriasis over their lifetime ( P = 0.011) and avoid common activities over their lifetime ( P = 0.012). Conclusion There are long‐term negative effects of elevated BMI that impose additional burdens on psoriasis patients, including impairments in sleep quality and increased social anxiety.