The relative impact of psoriasis and obesity on socioeconomic and medical outcomes in psoriasis patients

• Published in: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2014-02, Vol.28 (2), p.216-221
• Main Authors: Kim, G.E., Seidler, E., Kimball, A.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Body Mass Index; Educational Status; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Status; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity - complications; Psoriasis - complications; Psoriasis - economics; Psoriasis - psychology; Quality of Life; Self Efficacy; Sleep Wake Disorders - etiology; Social Class; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0926-9959; 1468-3083
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12089

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