eISSN: 2299-0046
ISSN: 1642-395X
Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii
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SCImago Journal & Country Rank
4/2019
vol. 36
 
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abstract:
Original paper

Stigmatization in Arabic psoriatic patients in the United Arab Emirates – a cross sectional study

Dimitre Dimitrov
1
,
Łukasz Matusiak
2
,
Jacek C. Szepietowski
2

  1. Presidential Medical Wing, Al Mafraq and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  2. Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
Adv Dermatol Allergol 2019; XXXVI (4): 425-430
Online publish date: 2019/08/30
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Introduction
Stigmatization is the phenomenon of labeling negatively people who differ from social norms in some aspect. It seems to be a common and important problem in dermatology. Psoriasis, being a chronic and recurrent skin disease, is frequently associated with various psychosocial consequences.

Aim
To evaluate the stigmatization level in an Arabic population of psoriatic individuals.

Material and methods
A total of 108 consecutive patients suffering from psoriasis were enrolled in the study. All recruited subjects were of Arabic origin. Severity of psoriasis was documented with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Stigmatization was assessed with validated Arabic language versions of the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire. Moreover, all patients were asked to complete the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire.

Results
The majority of patients showed feelings of stigmatization due to psoriasis. The mean level of stigmatization was 5.6 ±4.5 points assessed by the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and 98.4 ±26.4 points by the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire. Positive attitudes and feeling of being flawed were the most bothersome aspects of stigmatization expressed by patients. Involvement of the face appeared to be the only independent factor influencing the stigmatization level. In the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire, itching was found to be a factor responsible for feelings of stigmatization.

Conclusions
Our study indicated that stigmatization is common among psoriatic Arabic patients. We postulate that measurement of stigmatization level could contribute to the holistic therapeutic approach of psoriatic patients.

keywords:

quality of life, stigmatization, psoriasis

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