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

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. This study assessed PsD patient awareness in the Gulf region using the ‘Psoriasis and Beyond’ survey. 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. 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. 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.