Prevalence of psoriasis in Spain (Epiderma Project: phase I)

Background Various national and international studies are under way to obta in reliable data on the epidemiological features of psoriasis. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of pso riasis in the general population in Spain as well as its variations accordi ng to sex, age and distribution in different geographical areas. Material and methods A random sample (12 938 subjects from 4027 households) , representative of the general population, was the basis for a cross-secti onal survey through telephone calls performed by trained non-medical interv iewers using a specific questionnaire. Results The prevalence of psoriasis, similar in both sexes, was estimated t o be 1.17-1.43%. The highest prevalence rates were shown among 20-50-year-o ld subjects. Distribution of psoriatic patients was not homogeneous through out the country and prevalence was shown to be higher in the central dry re gion of the country. Conclusions In a population of about 40 million inhabitants, 470 000-570 00 0 psoriatic subjects constitute an important target for health care issues and further epidemiological studies.