title: Comparison of quality of life questionnaires and their correlation with the clinical course of patients with psoriasis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by erythematous, scaly lesions covering extensive areas of the skin and negatively affecting patients' quality of life by interfering in their personal life, social relationships and routine activities. Treatment offers reasonable control of the condition; however, little importance is generally given to the patient's impression.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the quality of life of patients with psoriasis, to verify whether there is a correlation between quality of life and clinical improvement and to compare two quality of life questionnaires and evaluate their equivalence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients over 18 years of age attending the psoriasis outpatient clinic at the Teaching Hospital of the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), who were either initiating treatment or changing to a new form of treatment, were included in the study. Patients answered two quality of life questionnaires (the Psoriasis Disability Index and the Dermatological Life Quality Index) up to a total of 180 consultations to evaluate whether there is a correlation between the questionnaires. Patients were also rated using a clinical index (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) at baseline and at follow-up visits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study involved 138 patients (76 men; mean age 50 years). A correlation was found between the questionnaires and the clinical index, showing that clinical changes are reflected in quality of life. The two questionnaires were found to be equivalent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was found that both clinical condition and quality of life improved in the majority of patients receiving care at this outpatient clinic and that the quality of life questionnaires are equivalent.
authors: School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors: Rafael Augusto Tamasauskas
authors: RA
authors: Torres
authors: Suze Aparecida da
authors: SA
authors: Silva
authors: Renata Ferreira
authors: RF
authors: Magalhães
authors: André Moreno
authors: AM
authors: Morcillo
authors: Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira
authors: PE
authors: Velho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult