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Published on: March 1, 2024
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Anticipated and Perceived Stigma Among Patients With Psoriasis
Marilyn T Wan1, Rebecca L Pearl2, Zelma C Chiesa Fuxench1
1Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
|March 18, 2021
Summary
Patients with psoriasis (PsP) often anticipate and experience stigma, impacting their quality of life. Self-reported psoriasis severity, not objective measures, predicts this distress, highlighting the need for direct inquiry into patient experiences.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychosocial Health
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Perceived stigma significantly impacts the quality of life for patients with psoriasis (PsP).
- Understanding the prevalence and predictors of stigma is crucial for patient well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of stigmatizing attitudes PsP expect and experience.
- To identify predictors of these anticipated and perceived stigmatizing attitudes.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted using validated instruments to assess anticipated and perceived stigma in PsP.
- Demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of anticipated stigma (e.g., being stereotyped as contagious) was reported by PsP.
- Patient-reported severe psoriasis was linked to greater anticipation of negative stereotypes, social avoidance, and perceived stigma.
- Objective measures of psoriasis severity (body surface area, global assessment) did not correlate with stigma outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Anticipated and perceived stigma are highly prevalent among PsP.
- Objective disease severity measures may not identify patients vulnerable to stigma-related distress.
- Directly asking patients about stigmatizing experiences is essential for effective management.
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