Epidemiology of Psoriasis in Portugal: A Population-Based Study ; Epidemiologia da Psoríase em Portugal: Um Estudo de Base Populacional

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and inflammatory skin disorder with a high personal, social and economic burden and important implica-tions for healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to provide an epidemiological characterization of individuals with psoriasis in Portugal.Material and Methods: A large observational, cross-sectional, nationwide, population-based survey study developed by the Portuguese Psoriasis Group of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology (GPP-SPDV). A structured questionnaire was designed and applied by experienced inter-viewers to a random, representative sample of Portuguese individuals with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. Patients were considered to have psoriasis if they replied positively to one of the following questions: “Does any physician have ever diagnosed you with psoriasis?” or “Do you have a skin disorder characterized by scaling, reddish skin lesions located in the elbows/knees/scalp?”.Results: A total of 6381 individuals were interviewed, of which 283 met the criteria for psoriasis, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 4.4% (95% CI 3.95 – 4.98). Out of the participants that met psoriasis criteria, 24% had suggestive signs/symptoms but did not have a clinical diagnosis established and were not being monitored by a physician. Although more than 70% of participants had active disease (scaling, erythema, or pruritus) and one third had joint symptoms, only 12% were on systemic treatment. Fifty percent of participants with psoriasis (n = 139) had relevant comorbidities (most frequently depression/anxiety and cardiometabolic diseases). Sixteen percent of participants with psoriasis (n = 46) reported that psoriasis interfered with their daily activities (median impact of 5 in a 0 – 10 scale) and 12% mentioned the disease had an impact in their sexual life (median impact of 5 in a 0 – 10 scale). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the prevalence rate of psoriasis is likely to be high in Portugal, and several gaps exist at ...