WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Dr. Hanan Muwafaq Fadhil, Dr. Ammar H. Yahia and Dr. Qasim S. Al Chalabi

ABSTRACT

Background: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, immune-mediated polygenic skin disorder that causes recurrentinflammation of the skin. It is characterized by erythematous, dry, scaling plaques of varying sizes that are sharplycircumscribed and are typically covered in silvery white lamellar scales. Aim and objectives: To evaluate themain risk factors for the development of psoriasis among all age groups and both genders. Patients and Methods:The study, an observational, descriptive, and hospital-based case-control study, analyzed the link between riskfactors and disease development in 306 participants over six months. Administrative agreements were obtainedfrom the Directorate of Health, the Local Scientific Council, Iben Sena Teaching Hospital, and Al Mosul GeneralHospital. Results: The study included 306 subjects, the mean age of the studied sample was 38.1±8.7 years, with151(49.7%) males, and 155(50.3%) females. Cases of psoriasis were 154 (51%) while controls were 152(49.0%).There was a significant difference for living in urban areas, having primary/secondary education, not having a job,positive family history of psoriasis. The study found that individuals with psoriasis were more likely to reportprevious skin injury, as well as they were taking more medications than those without psoriasis. Conclusions:Psoriasis is a complex disease with multiple risk factors, including urban residence, education,overweight/obesity, stress, family history, and skin injury. The relationship between vaccinations and psoriasisneeds further research. The Iraqi Ministry of Health should be aware of these risk factors to reduce the diseaseburden.