Life satisfaction and health related quality of life – the same or a different construct? A survey in psoriasis patients

Abstract

BackgroundNumerous literature data evaluating quality of life in dermatological patients demonstrate this parameter to be considerably decreased. Psoriasis is among most studied dermatological disorders, demonstrating decreased quality of life in all examined dimensions. However, there are inconsistent data on disease influence, health related quality of life (HRQoL) and life satisfaction in psoriatic patients. The aims of the study were the following: a) to determine the level of general life satisfaction and HRQoL in psoriasis patients; b) to differenti-ate factors combined with life satisfaction and HRQoL assessment and determine whether the same variables are connected with life satisfaction and HRQoL. The general life satisfaction and HRQoL are response varia-bles. Age and sex of the patients, educational status, disease severity, expressed as Psoriasis Area and Severi-ty Index (PASI), marital status, pruritus severity, disease duration, and family history of psoriasis (explanatory variables) were taken into consideration too.Participants and procedureThe study comprised 97 psoriasis inpatients. The Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (FLZ) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were used.ResultsPsoriatic patients demonstrated decreased life satisfaction and HRQoL in all domains. Psoriasis patients who had partners evaluated life satisfaction in Health, Financial situation, Myself, Accommodation and Sex domains as much better than singles. Total life satisfaction and HRQoL decreased with age. The study has shown that life satisfaction is different from HRQoL.ConclusionsThe observation that total life satisfaction is not strongly determined only by medical/somatic factors could be regarded as a valuable insight for further research to determine why the majority of dermatological patients are not fully compliant.