Autopercepción, calidad de vida y sexualidad en pacientes mexicanos con psoriasis cutánea y artritis psoriásica en un centro de referencia de tercer nivel

Abstract

Background

Cutaneous psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (Ps/PsA) are chronic inflammatory diseases that involve the skin and/or joints and have a significant impact on patients’ psychosocial well-being. In addition to functional limitation, they affect self-esteem, body image perception, and sexuality, directly impacting quality of life.

Objective
To describe self-esteem, body image perception, quality of life, and sexuality in Mexican patients with Ps and PsA.

Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted including patients with a diagnosis of Ps and PsA evaluated by dermatology and subsequently referred to rheumatology and psychology outpatient clinic in a tertiary referral center. The presence of arthritis was confirmed by ultrasound. Sociodemographic variables, time since diagnosis, and PASI at the rheumatology and psychology evaluation were collected. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL) were administered. An erectile function questionnaire was applied for men and a sexual function questionnaire for women. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses by sex were performed. Univariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association of age, sex, and time since diagnosis with the presence of arthritis.

• Results
  A total of 34 patients were analyzed, with a median age of 49 years (IQR 25–75%, 41–58); 23 (68%) were men. More than half of the patients had an educational level higher than high school (64.7%) and were employed (70.6%). Patients reported a median time since diagnosis of 10 years (4–7). In the univariable analysis, no statistically significant association was found between age or time sinc

  Conclusions
  In this cohort of patients with psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, sex-related differences were observed in psychosocial and sexual aspects. Men reported higher self-esteem, whereas women showed greater concern about body image and greater impairment in sexual desire. Quality of life did not show significant differences between groups. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach that addresses emotional and sexual dimensions in addition to clinical disease control.