A questionnaire-based survey of patients' knowledge of psoriasis at the National Skin Centre

Psoriasis is a chronic disease, which while potentially controllable, cannot be cured. Treatment is long term and requires continuous effort by the patient. Patient education is important for a chronic disease like psoriasis and this involves acquiring knowledge about the disease. With knowledge gained, the patient will be better able to cope, improve decision-making and comply with treatment. The aim was to determine the level of knowledge of psoriasis among four groups of patients attending the National Skin Centre. The study population consisted of 120 patients divided into four groups with 30 patients each from the general clinic, psoriasis clinic, private clinic and phototherapy clinic. The patients were asked to fill up a questionnaire. For those who were Chinese educated, a Mandarin translation of the questionnaire was made. The patients' age ranged from 13 to 83 years with a mean of 39 years. The mean duration of psoriasis was 9 years. Patients from the phototherapy clinic scored significantly higher than patients from the other clinics. There were, however, gaps in the knowledge of psoriasis among the various groups. No correlation was noted between age, sex, duration of psoriasis, number of consultations or phototherapy session with correct scores to the questionnaire. The most common treatment prescribed for the general and private clinics was a combination of topical steroids and tar (67% and 44% respectively). For the psoriasis clinic, the most common treatment prescribed was methotrexate (60%). For the phototherapy clinic, the most common modality used was ultraviolet B light (60%). Education is important in the overall treatment of psoriasis patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)