by Bui Long, Nguyen Thi Kim Huong, Le Huu Doanh, Nguyen Hoang Long

Abstract

Objective: psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that significantly impacts patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). While effective treatments exist, the burden of psoriasis on HRQOL and the factors influencing it remain underexplored in Vietnam. To assess HRQOL and its associated factors among patients with psoriasis vulgaris in a tertiary hospital in Vietnam.
Method: a cross-sectional study was conducted from March to December 2023, including 149 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. HRQOL was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L tool, and disease severity was assessed with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and stepwise multivariate Tobit regression to identify factors associated with the EQ-5D index.
Results: the mean EQ-5D index was 0.85 (SD = 0.17), with patients reporting the fewest problems in mobility (88.6% no issues) and self-care (81.2% no issues). However, pain/discomfort (68.5%) and anxiety/depression (36.2%) were significant concerns. The EQ-5D index declined with increasing PASI scores (mild: 0.87, severe: 0.68, p < 0.01). Factors negatively associated with HRQOL included older age (Coef. = -0.003, p = 0.026), severe redness (Coef. = -0.199, p = 0.001), and pain symptoms (Coef. = -0.108, p = 0.031). Male sex was independently associated with higher HRQOL (Coef. = 0.084, p = 0.015). Fraizeron treatment was positively associated with higher HRQOL (Coef. = 0.164, p = 0.048).
Conclusions: psoriasis substantially impacts HRQOL, particularly through pain and emotional burden. Older age, severe redness, and pain symptoms were associated with poorer HRQOL, whereas male sex and Fraizeron treatment were associated with higher HRQOL. Comprehensive management strategies addressing both physical symptoms and psychological well-being may help improve HRQOL.

Key words: psoriasis vulgaris, health-related quality of life, pain, psychology