Evaluation of sleep quality and pruritus severity in psoriatic patients and their impact on quality of life: a cross section correlational study

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with genetic and immunological susceptibility. The objective of the study was to evaluate pruritus and sleep quality in correlation (r) to psoriasis severity and to detect their impact on quality of life. Two hundred (200) patients with psoriasis were included. Psoriasis severity was determined using the psoriasis area severity index (PASI), the quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the psoriasis disability index (PDI) questionnaire, and the sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Finally, the severity of itching was evaluated using a 12-item pruritus severity scale (PSS). Poor sleep quality was found in 16.0% of patients in this study. Poor sleep was detected among 50.0% of cases with severe psoriasis. PASI scores correlated significantly with sleep quality, duration and sleep disturbances (p < 0.001). The global PSQI and PASI were also significantly correlated (p = 0.004). In conclusion patients complaining of psoriasis exacerbated by pruritus and sleep problems demonstrated lower quality of life in all domains. Sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms impairing quality of life should be taken into consideration when screening patients suffering from psoriasis.