[Stigmatization and quality of life of patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis]

Abstract

Background and objective: Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients are often influenced by the psychosocial consequences of their skin diseases. In order to assess these experiences reliably, the stigmatization feeling and the quality of life of these patient groups were studied.

Patients/methods: The short form of the "Questionnaire on Experience with Skin Complaints" (QES) was validated in a sample of 463 in-patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In addition, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was ascertained.

Results: The dimensions "impairment of self-esteem and withdrawal", "rejection experienced", "concealment", and "composure" of the QES could be confirmed by factor analysis. As expected, middle high correlations between the QES and the DLQI were found in both patient groups. However, the stigmatization experience and the quality of life were not significantly different in a subgroup of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients with comparable sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusions: The short form of the QES with 23 items is a valid instrument for the examination of social and psychic burdens of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients. The recording of the stigmatization feeling and of the quality of life determines different, supplementary aspects of the illness-related stress of patients with chronic skin diseases.