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European Journal of Dermatology

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Prevalence of psoriasis in China: A population-based study in six cities Volume 22, issue 5, September-October 2012

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Authors
Department of Dermatology, Peking University People's Hospital, #11 Xi Zhi Men Avenue South, Beijing 100044, China, Department of Dermatology, Yingxin Hospital, Taiyuan, China, Department of Dermatology, First Hospital of LiangShan, Xichang, China, Xichang Health School, Xichang, China, Department of Dermatology, China national petroleum corporation central Hospital, Langfang, China, Department of Dermatology, Central Hospital of Jiaozuo Coal Industry group, Jiaozuo, China, Department of Dermatology, People's Hospital of Hulunbeir, Hailar, China, Department of Dermatology, Zichuan Hospital, Zibo, China, Department of Dermatology, Qilu Petro-chemical Group Hospital, Zibo, China

Background: Although psoriasis occurs worldwide, the prevalence varies considerably between different peoples and regions. In China, a questionnaire-based study was carried out in 1987 and the prevalence of psoriasis was found to be 0.12%. Since then, no large-scale, population-based study has been reported. Objectives: To obtain the accurate figures for the prevalence of psoriasis in China. Methods: A population-based survey was conducted in 6 cities. The cluster sampling method was used to select communities in each city. The subjects were required to fill out self-reporting questionnaires during a face-to-face interview and also received physical examination by dermatologists. Results: 19,974 subjects were visited and 17,345 completed the questionnaires and received dermatological examination. 102 subjects (0.59%) were found to have psoriasis. After standardization, the prevalence of psoriasis was 0.47%. The prevalence of psoriasis in males and females was 0.54% and 0.44% respectively. 97.06% of the patients had psoriasis vulgaris. 28.43% of the patients reported a family history of psoriasis. 59.80% of patients experienced a negative influence on the quality of life. Conclusions: This population-based and dermatologist-confirmed study showed that the prevalence of psoriasis in China is 0.47%, which is higher than that reported in 1987.