Abstract Background Lifestyle factors have the potential to enhance well-being and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to identify lifestyle patterns among UK-based adults with psoriasis and examine associations with QoL. Methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of the ‘Asking People with Psoriasis about Lifestyle and Eating’ (APPLE) study (n=353). QoL, Body Mass Index (BMI), and physical activity were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), self-reported weight and height, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results Participant demography was: 82% female; mean (SD) age of 41 (13) years; and BMI of 27 (7) kg/m2. When fully adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and alcohol use, compared to individuals in the highest BMI tertile (35 (5) kg/m2), those in the lowest tertile (21 (2) kg/m2) reported a 71% reduced likelihood of QoL impairments (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.29; 95% CI 0.14–0.59, adjusted P0.01). Dairy-free, gluten-free, and pescatarian diets were more frequently adopted in individuals reporting healthy BMIs (≈24 kg/m2, adjusted P0.05). Higher levels of physical activity (2932 (1509) Metabolic Equivalent of Task Minutes per week), and adequate sleep duration (7 (0) hours/day) were associated with lower odds of QoL impairments, although attenuated by multiple testing. Participants affected by embarrassment or self-consciousness related to their psoriasis engaged in less vigorous-intensity and walking activities compared to those who were less affected (adjusted P0.05). Conclusions Assessing weight status and physical activity in individuals reporting high DLQI scores may help identify modifiable behaviours contributing to poorer QoL and thereby shape interventions.
Zanesco et al. (Mon,) studied this question.