It is estimated that 2% of the population or just over one million people live with psoriasis in the UK12. The 2009 Psoriasis Uncovered survey commissioned by Abbott was undertaken with the aim of uncovering the truth behind this skin condition and how it affects all aspects of patients’ lives, looking beyond the physical symptoms to assess the myriad of other effects (e.g. psychological, social, and work-related) of psoriasis.
The survey was carried out in 17 countries in total and 1,700 respondents from the UK had completed the survey by August 2009. The results demonstrate that psoriasis is a serious disease with a significant and long-lasting impact on people’s lives in the UK – far greater than previously appreciated.3 Psoriasis has the greatest life impact on the most severe patients and young people in terms of their confidence, drive, self-esteem, aspiration, enjoyment of life, enthusiasm and general mental health.3
Key Results:Psoriasis Uncovered found that of patients with the severe* form of psoriasis:
- 46% of people felt that should their psoriasis disappear tomorrow they would still have to live with its long term effect on their life3
- One in five say that their psoriasis contributed towards the loss of a job or resignation3
- One in four believe that their psoriasis has caused an intimate relationship to end3
- 43% say psoriasis has prevented them from making new friends3
- 83% express dissatisfaction with their current treatment3
Of all patients surveyed:
- 83% believe there is a lack of understanding about psoriasis amongst the public3
Education and work life
Work is an increasingly important area of most people’s lives, yet many respondents feel that their condition and other people’s view of it has negatively affected their working lives
- 43% report that it has prevented them pursuing a desired career3
- Almost one third (32%) of patients say they have been discriminated against in the work place as a result of their psoriasis3
- One in five with severe psoriasis report that they have lost or quit their job due to their psoriasis3
- Over 60% of all respondents who say psoriasis affected their ability to perform in an educational setting, also say that psoriasis has negatively affected their income potential in later life3
Social life
Many people with psoriasis say that the condition has affected their social life and made them less out-going
- 78% say they limit their social engagements because of their psoriasis3
- Psoriasis negatively affects self-esteem (89%), enjoyment of life (87%) and enthusiasm (74%)3
- 43% say that the condition prevents them from making friends3
- Almost one-third (30%) of people with psoriasis cancelled 5 or more social engagements in the last year because of their psoriasis3
Personal and intimate relationships
Many people with psoriasis say that it has also affected their personal lives and relationships
Access to healthcare
People’s view of how psoriasis has impacted their work, social and personal lives may be explained by the fact that they are unhappy with how their condition is being treated and managed
- Local health services were rated above average by 24% of those with severe psoriasis3
- 83% of patients with severe psoriasis are dissatisfied with their current treatment for psoriasis3
- 57% of patients with very active and extremely active psoriasis are unaware of other treatment options3
- 59% of patients with very active and extremely active psoriasis are dissatisfied with the time taken between booking an appointment and seeing a dermatologist or specialist nurse3
Key survey facts3
- During 2009 17 countries took part in the survey
- By August 2009 1,700 had completed the UK on www.psoriasisuncovered.co.uk
- 63% of respondents were female and 37% were male
- The age range of respondents was:
- 18-24 9%
- 25-34 22%
- 35-40 16%
- 41-44 15%
- 45-50 14%
- 51-55 10%
- 56-60 6%
- 61-64 4%
- 65-74 3%
- 75+ 1%
- Respondents self-identified the severity of their disease as follows:
- Not at all 2%
- Somewhat active 16%
- Moderately active 30%
- Very active 32%
- Extremely active 20%
- 75% of respondents had lived with psoriasis for more than 11 years
References
- National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Etanercept and efalizumab for the treatment of adults with psoriasis. Technology Appraisal Guidance TA103. Published, July 2006. Available at www. nice.org.uk
- Abbott Data on File RM 16076
- Abbott Data on File RM 16063
AXHUD092902