Dimensions of stigmatization in patients with psoriasis in a "Questionnaire on Experience with Skin Complaints'.

BACKGROUND

Stigmatization is a central experience of patients with psoriasis with a broad psychic and social impact.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to identify the dimensions of stigma experience by a Questionnaire on Experience with Skin Complaints (QES; 'Fragebogen zum Erleben von Hautbeschwerden').

METHODS

187 in-patients with psoriasis were examined with the QES, an adopted and extended (German) version of the Feeling of Stigmatization Questionnaire by Ginsburg and Link. A factor analysis of the questionnaire was conducted and the construct validity was evaluated.

RESULTS

Five factors were found: 'self-esteem', 'retreat', 'rejection', 'composure' and 'concealment'. Self-esteem, retreat and rejection are mainly influenced by 'problematic regions' affected by psoriasis, rejection also by 'visible parts' and retreat also by 'invisible regions'. The influences of age, age at onset and sex on the stigma experience are small but significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The QES proved to be an economical and reliable psychometric instrument to differentiate the stigma experience of psoriasis patients.