Social characteristics of russian patients with psoriasis and arthropathic psoriasis

Background. According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), about 125 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. In Russia, at the end of 2022, based on the results of visits to medical organizations, more than 371.2 thousand patients with psoriasis were registered, and 94.2 thousand new cases of psoriasis were identified during this period. Features of the social characteristics of patients, including with psoriasis, not enough studied all over the world.

Objective. Evaluation of the influence of chronic skin disease (using the example of patients with psoriasis and arthropathic psoriasis) on the social activity of patients.

Methods. In order to study the influence of psoriasis and arthropathic psoriasis on the social activity of patients, an anonymous quantitative on-line survey of patients was conducted. The questionnaire included 36 questions. The object of the study was patients with a confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis and arthropathic psoriasis aged 18 to 75 years. Patients were included in the study regardless of the duration and severity of the disease. 512 respondents took part in the survey. After the “repair” the sample amounted to 486 people.

Results. It was revealed that the overwhelming majority of respondents do not have disabilities caused by psoriasis/arthropathic psoriasis (90.5%), did not receive therapy with genetically engineered biological drugs and did not encounter help (except for medical care) from government or public organizations (more than 90%). More than 85% of surveyed patients with psoriasis and arthropathic psoriasis do not receive medications for free. Moreover, almost half of the respondents spend up to 30% of their monthly income on medications necessary for treatment. In general, the presence of psoriasis/arthropathic psoriasis in patients does not interfere with their full work and study. At the same time, a significant portion of respondents had difficulties interacting with colleagues and friends due to the presence of these diseases, and 40% of respondents had to refuse job offers due to the presence of the disease. About half of the respondents experience various difficulties in their personal lives (the corresponding restrictions are manifested by both reluctance to enter into a long-term relationship and problems in intimate life, including among married respondents). Also, about half of the respondents experienced various difficulties in communication with their sexual partner, as well as in their sexual life. Moreover, more than 80% of patients with psoriasis/arthropathic psoriasis have the support of their family, which is an important factor in building self-confidence and reducing discomfort in creating new social connections.

Conclusion. The social characteristics of patients with psoriasis and arthropathic psoriasis, identified from the results of the study, can be used in preparing measures for the adaptation of patients, as well as programs for medical rehabilitation and prevention.