Stigmatization and perceived health status in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: an observational multicenter study in Europe
International Journal of Dermatology, cilt.64, sa.5, ss.861-869, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 64 Sayı: 5
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.1111/ijd.17569
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Dermatology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.861-869
- Anahtar Kelimeler: itch, burden, hidradenitis suppurativa, stress, acne inversa, perceived health status, stigmatization
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can severely affect the quality of life (QoL) and is linked to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem. Stigmatization due to physical appearance may significantly contribute to the psychological burden and impact on QoL for HS patients. This study investigates the association between stigmatization, depression, anxiety, and health- and disease-related variables among HS patients in Europe. Patients and methods: This observational cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted across 22 dermatological outpatient clinics in 17 European countries. Data collected included sociodemographic variables, general health variables, disease-related variables, perceived stigmatization (PSQ), and mental health (PHQ-2, GAD-2). Results: Of the 5487 dermatological patients, 142 (2.6%) were diagnosed with HS, and data from 135 patients (70.1% women, mean age 38.2 years) who completed the PSQ questionnaire were analyzed. Scores on the stigmatization measure indicated that significant stigmatization levels were present in the sample. Linear regression models revealed a significant relationship between stigmatization and both the duration of HS and the presence of itch. Similar findings were noted for the PSQ “confused/staring behavior” scale with depression. The PSQ “absence of friendly behavior” scale was inversely associated with general health status, whereas the “hostile behavior” scale was positively linked to depression. Conclusion: HS patients experience significant stigmatization linked to disease duration, itch, and depression. Comprehensive management, including screening for psychosocial co-morbidity, is essential, as is providing access to psychological interventions that support patients to both manage internal distress and the potential reactions of others.