Psoriasis at Ayder Referral Hospital among Patients Attending Dermatology Clinic, Mekelle, North Ethiopia

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin condition.The prevalence of psoriasis varies in different population from 0.1% to 11%. It can classify in to type one ( =40 yrs). And also classified into four major categories; chronic plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis and erthroderma. The objective of this study was to assess magnitude and factors associated with psoriasis. Methods: A cross-sectional study design and convenient sampling technique was implemented at Ayder referral hospital dermatologic unit until sample size (422) was fulfilled. Data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis was done. . The magnitude of psoriasis was 5.4% where majorities (81%) of psoriasis cases were chronic plaque. Multiple site involvement (42.9%) (arms, trunk and leg) were the main characteristics. Marital status (widowed/divorced) (AOR= 7.75, 95%CI (1.58, 37.98)) and complaining joint pain (AOR=7.66, 95%CI (2.24, 26.17)) were significantly associated with psoriasis. Conclusion: The magnitude of psoriasis in ARH was relatively higher. Having history of joint pain and being divorced/ widowed were significantly associated with occurrence of psoriasis. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of joint pain, minimizing social stressor conditions such as divorce and providing emotional and psychological support were recommended.