The Relationship Between Psoriasis Severity and Patient Stress Levels

Background : Psoriasis is estimated to occur in 2-3% of people worldwide and
can be found in various countries. Psychological stress is one of the risk factors
that can influence the development and exacerbation of psoriasis. Approximately
78% of psoriasis patients report that stress worsens their disease symptoms.
Objective : There is a known relationship between the severity of psoriasis and
the patient's stress level.
Methods : This research was a quantitative study with an analytic survey design
and a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of 30 psoriasis patients
at the Dermatology and Venereology Clinic of Mohammad Hoesin Hospital in
Palembang. The sample consisted of 30 respondents, and the sampling technique
used was total sampling. Data analysis was performed using univariate and
bivariate analysis.
Result : Based on the univariate analysis, the results showed that the majority of
respondents were aged 41-65 years (56.7%), female (60%), had a higher
education background (43.3%), were unemployed (60%), had moderate psoriasis
severity (score 10-20) (70%), and experienced severe stress (score 16-20)
(63.3%). The statistical test using Kendall's tau showed a significant relationship
between psoriasis severity (p-value 0.006) and stress levels.
Conclusion : The majority of psoriasis patients at the Dermatology and
Venereology Clinic of Mohammad Hoesin Hospital in Palembang had moderate
psoriasis severity and severe stress levels. There was a significant relationship
between psoriasis severity and stress levels.
Suggestion : For respondents, it is recommended to increase awareness of the
importance of stress management as part of psoriasis treatment. For future
researchers, it is recommended to expand the study by involving more variables,
such as lifestyle factors, family support, or the effect of psychological therapy on
managing psoriasis.