European patient perspectives on the impact of psoriasis:: the EUROPSO patient membership survey

Background EUROPSO (European Federation of Psoriasis Patient Associations) undertook a Europe-wide survey examining quality of life and patients' perspectives on treatment and their disease. Objectives To explore patients' perspectives of psoriasis on their lifestyle and wellbeing and to gain insight into the effectiveness of and satisfaction with currently available therapies for psoriasis. Methods Self-administered questionnaires (n = 50 500) were mailed to members of psoriasis patient associations in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Results Responses were received from 18 386 patients (36%), of whom 17 990 had psoriasis. Mean age at onset of psoriasis was 30.5 years, 59% of respondents had self-reported moderate to severe psoriasis (3% or greater body surface area involvement) and 30% had been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. The mean Psoriasis Disability Index score was 12.2 (25% of the maximum score), increasing to 21 (44%) in patients with more than 10% body surface area involvement. The greatest impact was on activities of daily living, especially affecting clothing choice, bathing routine and sporting activities. Overall, 77% replied that psoriasis was a problem or a significant problem. While patients were satisfied with the information and care from their dermatologist (40% highly satisfied), available treatment options were less satisfactory, with over 70% reporting only low to moderate satisfaction. Conclusions This is the largest survey of people with psoriasis in Europe and shows that psoriasis has a profound impact on quality of life.