In psoriasis patients, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is commonly measured using disease or dermatology specific questionnaires.

The objective of this survey is to use the generic 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) instrument to assess the physical and mental impact of psoriasis and compare scores with those which are already published for different diseases. Therefore, an observational study was conducted among mild-to-severe psoriasis outpatients. Health status was evaluated by the SF-12, including a physical (PCS) and a mental (MCS) scale. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to evaluate the probable existence of depression or anxiety, and the Skindex-17 to determine dermatology-specific HRQoL.

Statistical analyses were carried out to evaluate the relationship between physical and mental health status along with the demographic and clinical characteristics. The study population comprised of 1592 patients. Psoriasis PCS scores were almost same to the general population and to non-severe diseases that includes allergies, dermatitis, or back pain. MCS mean scores were also very similar to that of depression and less than those of other chronic conditions. Poor physical health was related with female sex, older age, lower educational level, ≥2 comorbidities, joint involvement, moderate to severe clinical status, GHQ-12 score ≥4, and moderate to severe Skindex-17 psychosocial scores.

Poor mental health was related with younger age (<30 years), severe Skindex-17 psychosocial scores and GHQ ≥ 4. In summary, an overall health measure as the SF-12 questionnaire, appears to be able to apprehend in psoriasis patients, both from a physical and a mental perspective.

Source: Sampogna F, Mastroeni S, Pallotta S, et al. Use of the SF-12 questionnaire to assess physical and mental health status in patients with psoriasis. J Dermatol. 2019;46(12):1153-1159. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.15074