Understanding the Impact of Living With Psoriasis in the Philippines: A Global Psoriasis Atlas Online Survey.
TL;DR
Low self-esteem, financial strain, and social isolation support improved access to effective therapies and holistic, patient-centred care in Filipino adults with psoriasis.
Abstract
Background
The World Health Organization Global Report on Psoriasis highlights the need for data on the lived experience of psoriasis in low- and middle-income countries, where health and economic burdens may be substantial. We examined the impact of living with psoriasis in the Philippines.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional online survey of Filipino adults with dermatologist-diagnosed psoriasis collected data on disease severity, treatments, comorbidities, health-related quality of life (QoL), and capability. Associations between self-assessed psoriasis severity (saSPI), QoL, and capability were analyzed, and free-text responses underwent thematic analysis.
Results
Among 480 participants (64.6% female; mean age 40.7 ± 12.2 years), over half had a disease duration > 10 years and nearly half reported at least one comorbidity. Topicals were most used (74.2%), followed by oral systemics (36.9%), biologics (11.9%), and phototherapy (7.9%). Mean QoL was 0.66 ± 0.29 (possible range < 0-1) and capability was 0.52 ± 0.25 (possible range 0-1). Mean saSPI was 8.42 ± 9.34 and was negatively correlated with QoL (Spearman's ρ = -0.52, p < 0.001) and capability (Spearman's ρ = -0.27, p < 0.001). Pain/discomfort and self-reported anxiety/depression affected 72.9% and 72.7%, respectively.
Conclusions
Survey respondents living with psoriasis impose substantial clinical, psychosocial, and financial burdens in the Philippines. Disease severity and comorbidities were associated with poorer outcomes. Low self-esteem, financial strain, and social isolation support improved access to effective therapies and holistic, patient-centred care.