16% of French still think psoriasis is contagious

[Fred]

As I live in France I found this study albeit small interesting as I have never experienced any prejudice against people with psoriasis, but then again I do live in the country where people don't tend to judge each other on the appearance or worth.

The survey looked at misconceptions, negative prejudice and discriminatory behaviour towards psoriasis patients in France, and I found some of the percentages in the results shocking to be honest.

Quote:

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Background:
The perception of stigmatization of patients with psoriasis is largely due to misconceptions and negative prejudice about this skin disease. ‘Uneducated’ judgements can give rise to discriminatory behaviours.

Objective:
Evaluate the prevalence, in France, of misconceptions, negative prejudice and discriminatory behaviour towards psoriasis patients.

Methods:
Online survey conducted in June 2011, aimed at 1005 persons aged 16–64 years, representative of the French population. The representativeness of the sample was ensured by quota methodology (gender, age, occupation of the interviewed person) after stratification by region and location category. The respondents were asked to respond to a questionnaire on their knowledge of psoriasis, their attitude and main feelings/perceptions towards psoriasis patients.

Results:
About 62.4% of respondents recognize a lack of information about psoriasis and 19.7% have misconceptions about this disease. About 16.5% believe that psoriasis is contagious, 6.8% believe this skin disease is related to personal hygiene and 3.2% believe that it affects more people with low personal hygiene. About 50.0% of respondents show discriminatory behaviour towards psoriasis patients, reflected by reluctance to maintain friendship ties/a relationship of friendliness (7.6%), to have lunch or dinner with a person with visible manifestations (17.9%), to give a kiss on the cheek in greeting (29.7%), to shake hands (28.8%) and to have sexual relations/intercourse (44.1%). Patients with negative prejudice about the psoriasis frequently have misconceptions towards psoriasis patients. About 52.8% of respondents do not know anyone with psoriasis. Socio-demographic indicators such as gender, education level and rural or urban way of life are not associated with an increased prevalence of misconceptions and/or discriminatory behaviour.

Conclusion:
The lack of knowledge about psoriasis in France is important. There is an urgent need to strengthen information campaigns about psoriasis intended for the General Public.

Source: NO LINKS ALLOWED
Author Information:
1 Service de Dermatologie, Institut Alfred Fournier, Paris, France
2 France Psoriasis Association, Paris, France
3 LEO Pharma, Voisins-le-Bretonneux, France
4 Service de Dermatologie, CHU Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France
No funding declared.

On a personal note I know this is a small sample and I've never experienced any problems, but come on French people Wake Up those figures are shocking with the knowledge that is out there today.

Remember psoriasis isn't prejudice and You Could Be Next.  

[Kat]

So not only am I contagious, I'm unhygienic?

It would have been interesting to see how other countries did on that survey. Although, as you said it was a small sampling, I wouldn't be surprised to find out it's fairly accurate and for most places. I think the majority of people see it as a type of skin rash but that's because that is what I thought it was before learning anything about it.

[Fred]

So not only am I contagious, I'm unhygienic?  

It would have been interesting to see how other countries did on that survey.  Although, as you said it was a small sampling, I wouldn't be surprised to find out it's fairly accurate and for most places.   I think the majority of people see it as a type of skin rash but that's because that is what I thought it was before learning anything about it.

Yes and you wouldn't be invited to dinner.

Like you say it would be interesting to see what other countries thought but this was a one off thing in France, but you never know as Leo Pharma were involved they may decide to do a bigger one.

[Kat]

Yes and you wouldn't be invited to dinner.

Oh that's just cruel! Especially after you posting those delicious looking scones that Mrs. Fred made.

[D Foster]

Sorry Fred I was going to post but I thought it said 16% of French are contagious which I think is probably a little on the low side.

[Fred]

Sorry Fred I was going to post but I thought it said 16% of French are contagious which I think is probably a little on the low side.