Quality of life and its Determinants among psoriasis patient
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Date
2025
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Addis Ababa Uinverstiy
Abstract
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease characterized by skin
inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia. Psoriasis can significantly impact a person's quality of
life. Physical discomfort, such as itching, and pain, can interfere with daily activities. The visible
nature of the condition can lead to emotional distress, social stigma, and mental health issues like
anxiety and depression. People with psoriasis are also at a higher risk for other health conditions,
such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues. Understanding
psoriasis and its wide-ranging effects on individuals is essential for providing effective care and
improving the lives of those affected by this chronic condition
Objective: This study aimed to Quality of life and its Determinants among psoriasis patient at
ALERT hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at ALERT Comprehensive
Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, from May to August 2025. A total of 128 patients aged 16
years and above with a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis and at least six months of follow-up
were included using consecutive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews
using a structured questionnaire and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS
version 27. Due to non-normal distribution of DLQI scores, non-parametric tests (Mann–
Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis H, and Spearman correlation) were applied. Statistical significance
was set at p < 0.05.
Result: The median DLQI score was 13 (IQR: 9–18), indicating a very large impact of psoriasis
on quality of life. More than half of the patients experienced very large to extremely large
impairment. Poor quality of life was significantly associated with older age, marital status, social
drug habits, family history of psoriasis, early age at diagnosis, pustular psoriasis, and
involvement of functionally or socially sensitive sites such as extremities, genitals, palms, soles,
and nails. Disease duration, sex, educational status, income level, and most comorbidities
showed no significant association with quality of life.
Conclusion: Psoriasis has a substantial negative impact on the quality of life of patients
attending ALERT Hospital, even among those with mild clinical severity. Quality of life
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impairment was influenced more by disease characteristics and lesion location than by
sociodemographic factors. Routine assessment of quality of life and integrated clinical and
psychosocial management approaches are essential to improve patient outcomes.
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Keywords
Quality of life, Psoriasis, ALERT, Ethiopia