Examining the effectiveness of integrative body-mind-spirit group intervention on the quality of life among people with psoriasis: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease which can affect one’s quality of life (QoL) in terms of skin condition, emotional well-being and psychosocial functioning. Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit (IBMS) is a holistic intervention model that has been proved effective in improving the physical, psychosocial and spiritual well-being of people with different kinds of illness such as cancer, infertility, insomnia, depression and anxiety. This study aimed to apply IBMS in improving QoL and psychosocial well-being of people with psoriasis. Design/Setting/Participants: Thirty-nine adults suffering from mild to moderate levels of psoriasis were recruited from the Hong Kong Psoriasis Patients Association. Each participant attended a six-session 3-hour weekly IBMS intervention programme. Physiological and psychosocial parameters were measured during recruitment (T0) and after intervention (T1). Paired t-tests were conducted to compare the changes between two time points. Outcome measures: Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), Illness Cognition Questionnaire (ICQ), Holistic Well-Being Scale (HWS). Results: Mean age of participants was 51.0 (SD=13.1) and the majority were male (n=24, 62%). The mean age of onset of disease was 36.0 (SD=16.7) and duration of disease was 13.0 years (SD=10.6). Paired t-test (T1-T0) showed that there were significant improvements in the scores of ICQ Illness Acceptance [t=4.36, p<.001], ICQ Perceived Benefit [t=4.08, p<.001], HWS Afflictive Emotion [t=-3.37, p=.002], HWS Afflictive Sensation [t=-5.34, p<.001], and HWS Non-Attachment [t=2.23, p=.032]. However, a significant increase in PASI was found [t=-3.26, p=.002], indicating a deterioration of bodily symptom after the psychosocial intervention. Conclusions: The study has shown promising results in enhancing the psychosocial well-being of people with psoriasis. Despite the chronicity of psoriatic condition, participants still demonstrated better quality of life, which has recognized the value of psychosocial intervention in patient care. Patients were empowered to face the chronic condition of psoriasis with a sense of acceptance and peace of mind.