Psoriasis Impacts QoL for Parents of Affected Children

Negative impact on quality of life in multiple domains, especially emotional well-being

MONDAY, Jan. 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Childhood psoriasis impacts parents' quality of life in multiple domains, especially their emotional well-being, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Megha M. Tollefson, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and colleagues examined the impact of childhood psoriasis on parents' lives. Thirty-one parents of children with psoriasis were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Narrative data were analyzed and a conceptual framework of the effects of childhood psoriasis on parents was developed.

The researchers found that all parents reported a substantial, negative effect of their child's psoriasis on their own quality of life. A negative impact was seen on health and self-care, emotional well-being, family and social function, personal well-being, and life pursuits, in a conceptual framework. The most affected domain was emotional well-being.

"The results of this study are a testament to the pervasiveness of childhood psoriasis in a parent's life," the authors write. "Development of support strategies is recommended for children with psoriasis and their families."

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