Sexual difficulties and associated factors among patients with psoriasis in Malaysia: data from the Malaysian Psoriasis registry

ABSTRACT

The impact of psoriasis on quality of life may have implications for the sexual function of patients. We aimed to determine the frequency of sexual difficulties and associated factors among adult patients with psoriasis. This cross-sectional study involved 13 673 patients notified to the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry. Sexual function was defined based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Sexual difficulties were reported among 9.5% of subjects with significant predictors identified as younger age, male gender, married status, ethnicity, nail involvement, face and neck involvement and severity of disease. Smokers were more likely to report experiencing sexual difficulties. However, the presence of either ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension or dyslipidemia was associated with lower odds of sexual issues due to psoriasis. Clinicians should be aware of factors associated with sexual health in psoriasis to implement targeted interventions. Further studies need to be conducted to delineate the different aspects of sexual function and the magnitude of the problem.

Keywords:

• physical illness
• reproductive health
• adult sexuality
• sexual dysfunction

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the Director General of Health Malaysia for his permission to publish this article. We would also like to express our appreciation to the staff of participating institutions and the patients who agreed to participate in the registry notification process. This study was supported in part by the Dermatological Society of Malaysia, Abbvie Malaysia and Leo Pharma in terms of funding for data management of the MPR.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.