COVID-19 Knowledge in Patients with Psoriasis Receiving Systemic Therapy: a Questionnaire Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted patient behavior and treatment adherence for chronic conditions like psoriasis.
• Understanding patient knowledge and concerns regarding psoriasis and COVID-19 is essential for effective healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the level of COVID-19 knowledge among patients with psoriasis undergoing systemic therapy.
• To investigate the relationship between patient knowledge, anxiety, and treatment adherence during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based study was conducted on 183 patients receiving systemic treatment for psoriasis.
• Data collected included patient knowledge of COVID-19, concerns about psoriasis and its treatment, and treatment adherence.
• Demographic and disease characteristics were also recorded.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion of patients (33.9%) believed psoriasis increased COVID-19 risk, and 30.6% felt their treatment did. Nearly 60% expressed worry about contracting COVID-19.
• The overall treatment discontinuation rate was 42.1%.
• Patients with higher education levels exhibited greater anxiety and were more likely to discontinue treatment.

Conclusions:

• Patients with psoriasis demonstrated insufficient understanding of the interplay between their condition, its treatment, and COVID-19 risks.
• Biologic therapy users were more likely to stop treatment on physician advice, while conventional therapy users often discontinued independently.
• Healthcare providers must proactively educate psoriasis patients on current evidence regarding COVID-19 to ensure appropriate management and treatment adherence.