Stigmatization and perceived health status in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: an observational multicenter study in Europe.

Marron SE; Gracia-Cazaña T; Sampogna F; Schut C; Kupfer J; Dalgard FJ; Bewley A; van Beugen S; Gieler U; Lien L; Ständer S; Vulink N; Finlay AY; Legat FJ; Titeca G; Jemec GB; Misery L; Szabo C; Grivcheva-Panovska V; Spillekom-van Koulil S; Balieva F; Szepietowski JC; Reich A; Roque Ferreira B; Lvov A; Romanov D; Svensson A; Altunay IK; Thompson AR; Zeidler C; Tomas-Aragones L; ESDAP Study Collaborators

Abstract

INTRODUCTION - PATIENTS AND METHODS - RESULTS - CONCLUSION; 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.; 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).; 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.; 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.