Experiences of Young Girls with Psoriasis: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease with detrimental effects on patients' physical, mental, and social health. Living with this physical skin disorder can pose a threat to patients' identity and bring about unwanted changes to their role, mental image, and lifestyle. Hence, the analysis of different experiences and perceptions of people living with psoriasis can help healthcare managers and policymakers in adopting the most efficient coping strategies. Objectives: The study aimed to explain the experiences of young girls with psoriasis. Methods: This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 young girls with psoriasis who referred to the Dermatology Clinics of Zahedan hospitals in 2018-2019. The participants were selected using purposive sampling and the data were analyzed by Colaizzi's method. Results: The themes describing the experiences of young girls with psoriasis included the challenging emergence of disease, indefatigability in pursuit of ineffective treatment, social stigma as a community gift to the patients, and fear of uncertain future. Conclusions: The challenges of the incidence of disease at a young age and insistence on ineffective treatments were highly evident in the experiences of patients. The patients were also concerned about the social stigma associated with the disease, which could pose further challenges to their uncertain future. According to the findings, increasing public awareness of the disease and applying psychological strategies can be effective in addressing the problems of psoriasis patients. Elevating the awareness of families to accompany the patients in treatments can also be another effective measure.

Experience and caring needs of patients with psoriasis: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

“…Mood changes are a common experience mentioned by most patients and typically include depression, distress and despair (Howard et al., 2012; Narayanan et al., 2015; Nelson et al., 2013; Yaghoubinia et al., 2020). Changes in mood are associated with the incurable nature of the disease and recurrent episodes.…”

“…Stress plays an important role in it … (Yaghoubinia et al, 2020) In the narratives of many patients and their family members, it was apparent that stress was an overriding trigger for exacerbating symptoms, with patients often experiencing excessive tension and worry.…”

“…Consequently, many women choose to remain single for the rest of their lives, even though they may have regrets. The motherly nature of women can lead to a fear of passing on their condition to their children (Yaghoubinia et al, 2020).…”

“…In addition to affecting the psychological well‐being of patients, these negative psychological states are potential triggers for the exacerbation of the disease and can even lead to suicidal ideation (Bakar et al., 2021; Koo et al., 2017; Patel et al., 2017; Patrycja et al., 2016; Reich et al., 2016; Tohid et al., 2016). In terms of social impact, which is closely linked to a lack of awareness regarding psoriasis, the plight of people with psoriasis includes mislabelling, rejection and isolation, stigma, scarcity of care and support from family and friends, reduced self‐belief and a lack of confidence in the future (Howard et al., 2012; Tohid et al., 2016; Yaghoubinia et al., 2020). From going out in everyday life and seeking employment to relationships with family and friends, everything can be compromised to varying degrees (Meneguin et al., 2020; Narayanan et al., 2015; Parkhouse, 2019).…”

“…… I have not had any chance of marriage … Of course, it was my own choice, but the illness had its part, as well. Anyway, I will inform the other party about my problem … It can't be kept under wraps; for sure, I'll tell them myself (Yaghoubinia et al, 2020). … But the concern I always had in my heart was fear of the future … For example, if I had a chance for marriage, how could I discuss this with my partner?… What would he think of me?…”