Background: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that has a significant impact on patients' lives.
Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess factors that might influence the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with psoriasis.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 110 outpatients with psoriasis. To assess the HRQoL, The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Skindex-29 were administered. Stressful life events during the last 12 months were assessed with Paykel's Interview for Recent Life Events.
Results: HRQoL was significantly more impaired in older patients, those with age at onset of 40 years or more, who had a positive family history and who experienced stressful life events in the 12 months preceding the interview. Sex and clinical severity were not significantly related to patients' HRQoL.
Conclusion: Psoriasis patients have poorer HRQoL than the general population. This study supports the decision to use both generic and skin-specific instruments to assess the impact of psoriasis on HRQoL.