Assessing patient awareness and knowledge gaps in psoriasis: an investigation into disease understanding and implications for treatment adherence

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Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago: 2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States Introduction We hereby submit our research article on patient knowledge about psoriasis and the effectiveness of educational interventions. Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. However, both the general population and psoriasis patients themselves lack essential knowledge and understanding about the disease. Effective patient knowledge is crucial for self-management and treatment adherence. This study aims to assess patient knowledge levels and evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions in improving understanding [1–3]. Material and methods This randomized controlled trial included 74 plaque psoriasis patients receiving outpatient care at a psoriasis clinic. Participants were randomly assigned to either Group A (educational pamphlet group) or Group B (educational video group). Baseline knowledge competency-based surveys were administered, consisting of 10 items related to psoriasis disease progression and treatment measures. Group A received an educational pamphlet, while Group B watched a video, both covering the same content. Post-intervention surveys were conducted to assess knowledge improvement. Results and discussion Table 1 The study revealed that 37% of the participants were undergoing treatment with immunobiological therapy. This substantial percentage demonstrates the severity of the cases being managed at the clinic and highlights the paradigm shift in psoriasis treatment. The use of immunobiological therapies, such as adalimumab, has become increasingly prevalent and represents a significant advancement in managing the condition. Table 1 - Socialdemographic and treatment results Results Sex F=44; M=30 Age 50.5 years-old ± 16.5 Education 36% Elementary 40% High school 23% College Clinical presentation Plaque 82% Pustular 6% Erythroderma 2% Nail 1% Palm plantar 6% Previous treatment Topical 75% Methotrexate 75% Acitretin 52% Biologic 9% Regarding patient knowledge, the study identified important knowledge gaps. Notably, 45 patients (a considerable proportion) did not possess basic knowledge about the pathophysiology of psoriasis, specifically that it is characterized by accelerated skin formation. This finding emphasizes the need for focused educational interventions to address this knowledge gap and improve patients’ understanding of the underlying mechanisms of their condition [3–5]. Moreover, the study revealed a difficulty in understanding and/or accepting the chronic nature of psoriasis among a segment of the studied population. This finding is particularly noteworthy as it highlights the potential impact on treatment adherence. Addressing this challenge is crucial to empower patients to recognize the importance of long-term disease control and foster better adherence to treatment regimens. Additionally, the study demonstrated the effectiveness of educational materials, such as pamphlets and videos, in complementing consultations, especially considering the limited time available during appointments. These materials proved to be valuable tools for delivering information to patients, bridging knowledge gaps, and supporting patient education. Importantly, this research also contributes to the existing literature by filling a knowledge gap. The absence of previous articles that specifically evaluated the knowledge of psoriasis patients on the specific issues addressed in this study highlights the novelty and originality of this research, making its findings even more valuable and significant Figs. 1 and 2.Figure 1: Previous knowledge scores.Figure 2: Patient satisfaction survey.Conclusion In summary, the innovative findings of this study shed light on the prevalence of plaque psoriasis and the utilization of immunobiological therapy among the studied population. Identifying knowledge gaps surrounding the pathophysiology and chronic nature of psoriasis emphasizes the need for targeted educational interventions. The effectiveness of educational materials and the absence of previous research on these specific issues further highlight the significance and contribution of this study to the field of psoriasis research. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

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