Patients' Acceptance of Psoriasis Depends on Disease Severity, Itch Intensity, and the Patients' Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder affecting over 60 million people worldwide, with both physical and psychological impacts due to the visible lesions and associated somatic symptoms. This study aimed to assess disease acceptance among psoriasis patients and to explore its correlation with disease severity, itch intensity, and quality of life (QoL) The study included 166 psoriasis patients, comprising 101 men and 65 women, all with a disease duration of at least one year. Clinical and psychological aspects of psoriasis were comprehensively assessed using various standardized tools, along with a demographic questionnaire. The study found that psoriasis patients had a mean illness acceptance score of 25.1 points, with most respondents (44%) exhibiting a moderate level of acceptance. A high level of acceptance was observed in 28% of participants, while an equal proportion of patients (28%) demonstrating low acceptance, with no significant gender-based differences. Acceptance was negatively correlated with disease severity (PASI score), quality of life impairment (DLQI), and itch intensity (NRS), indicating that lower acceptance was linked to more severe symptoms. Additionally, a slight negative correlation was observed between acceptance and disease duration, while acceptance levels were unaffected by factors such as education, relationship status, or age of disease onset. A comprehensive approach to psoriasis treatment should address not only the physical aspects but also the psychological challenges faced by patients, with a particular focus on improving disease acceptance as a coping strategy. Reducing itch intensity may contribute to better disease acceptance.