Patient awareness and perspectives on psoriatic disease: results of the psoriasis and beyond survey from the Gulf region

Background: Psoriatic disease (PsD) is a chronic immune-mediated condition with substantial humanistic burden. Despite guidelines emphasizing patient awareness for effective management, many individuals remain uninformed about its systemic nature and associated comorbidities. Aim: This study assessed PsD patient awareness in the Gulf region using the ‘Psoriasis and Beyond’ survey. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from March 2022 to June 2023, involving adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. Clinical characteristics and patient awareness data were collected. Results: Among 346 patients (52 with psoriatic arthritis, PsA), 63% were aware of the term ‘PsD,’ with higher awareness among those with both psoriasis and PsA. However, only 61% recognized its systemic nature. Quality of life (QoL) was significantly affected in 28% of respondents, particularly those with both psoriasis and PsA. Stigma and discrimination were reported by 73% of patients. While 37% had some knowledge about PsD, many perceived their health as beyond their control. Conclusion: The study identifies a significant knowledge gap among PsD patients in the Gulf region, highlighting the need for enhanced patient education and improved communication with healthcare providers.