Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that has a greater psychological distress such as depression, anxiety and stress and therefore, lower patient's body image and quality of life. Aim of the study: Determine the relation between psychological distress, body-image and quality of life among patients with psoriasis. Research design: A descriptive correlational design was used in this study. Setting: The study was conducted from both dermatology outpatient clinic and dermatology department in phototherapy unit at Benha university hospital, in Benha City, Qaluobia Governorate. Subject: A convenient sample of 100 patients with psoriasis was recruited from the previous study setting. Tools: Four tools were used for data collection: Tool (1) Structured Interview Questionnaire include socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics of the studied sample, tool (2) Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, tool (3) Body Image Scale, and tool (4) Dermatology Life Quality Index. Results: More than two thirds of the studied patients had high level of total psychological distress, more than half of the studied patients had high negative body image and more than three quarters of the studied patients had severe effect on quality of life. Also, there was highly statistically significant positive correlation between total psychological distress, total body image and total quality of life among the studied patients. Conclusion: This result confirming that patients with psoriasis having psychological distress are prone to have low body image that in turn lowers patient's quality of life. Recommendations: Implementing psycho-educational programs for patients with psoriasis to improve their body image and quality of life, as well as decrease their psychological distress. |
