A RECENT qualitative study has provided valuable insights into the experiences of Latine patients in the US living with moderate to severe psoriasis. This research highlights the significant health disparities faced by this population, including a disproportionately high burden of severe disease, limited access to specialised care, and a diminished quality of life. The study aimed to explore how Latine patients perceive their illness and their attitudes towards healthcare, treatment, and medical research.
Conducted at an urban safety-net hospital, the study involved in-depth, semistructured interviews with 30 Latine adults diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis. The inclusion criteria required that participants had been offered systemic treatment at some point during their disease course. Interviews, conducted in both English and Spanish, were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Data saturation was used to determine the sample size, ensuring comprehensive coverage of patient experiences.
The study identified six major interrelated themes shaping the experiences of Latine individuals with psoriasis. First, participants shared their illness perception, describing the emotional and physical toll of psoriasis on their lives. Second, many relied on sociofamilial connections for medical decision-making, emphasising the influence of family in navigating treatment options. Third, psoriasis was found to significantly impact work life, with some individuals facing discrimination or difficulty maintaining employment due to their condition. Fourth, barriers to accessing quality dermatologic care emerged as a major challenge, often due to financial constraints, language barriers, and limited availability of specialists. Fifth, attitudes towards treatment varied, with participants demonstrating openness to both prescription and nonprescription options. Finally, the study revealed a strong interest in medical research, with participants expressing positive perceptions of biologic medications and a willingness to engage in biomedical studies.
These findings highlight the necessity of addressing health disparities among Latine individuals with psoriasis. Enhancing access to specialised dermatologic care, developing culturally tailored educational interventions, and fostering engagement in biomedical research are crucial steps towards improving outcomes for this population. Future research should further explore Latine patients’ preferences regarding biologic medications and investigate strategies to bridge existing healthcare gaps. This study provides an important foundation for developing targeted interventions aimed at reducing the burden of psoriasis within the Latine community.
Katie Wright, EMJ
Reference
Gonzalez N et al. Latine patients’ beliefs, attitudes, and experience with psoriasis. JAMA Dermatol. 2025;DOI:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.5391.
