Clinical Report: Psoriasis Care Disparities Among Canadian Patients with Diverse Skin Tones
Overview
A Canadian survey of 103 psoriasis patients revealed that non-white individuals experience more frequent misdiagnosis, delays in care, and greater emotional and social burdens compared to white patients. Non-white patients also face increased barriers to effective treatment access and express a stronger need for mental health and advocacy support.
Background
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease affecting 2–3% of the global population, with significant impacts on quality of life. Skin of colour (SoC) can influence the presentation, diagnosis, and management of psoriasis, yet research on ethnic disparities in Canada is limited. Canadian patients require GP referrals to access dermatologists, potentially contributing to diagnostic delays. This study aimed to explore ethnic differences in psoriasis care experiences across diagnosis and treatment stages.
Data Highlights
Measure
White Patients (%)
Non-White Patients (%)
Significance
Misdiagnosis Frequency
Lower
Higher
Significant
Delays in Care
Less Frequent
More Frequent
Significant
Emotional and Social Burden
Lower
Higher
Significant
Barriers to Treatment Access
Fewer
More
Significant
Need for Mental Health Support
Lower
Higher
Significant
Key Findings
Non-white patients reported more frequent misdiagnosis and delays in receiving psoriasis care compared to white patients.
Emotional and social burdens related to psoriasis were greater among non-white patients.
Non-white patients encountered more barriers to accessing effective psoriasis treatments.
There was a stronger expressed need for mental health and patient advocacy support among non-white individuals.
Skin tone within the non-white group influenced patient experiences, with darker skin tones facing additional challenges.
The Canadian healthcare system’s requirement for GP referral to dermatologists may contribute to diagnostic delays, especially for non-white patients.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of misdiagnosis and treatment delays in non-white psoriasis patients and strive to provide culturally competent care. Enhanced mental health support and advocacy resources tailored to diverse patient populations are needed to address the greater emotional and social burdens observed. Improving access pathways and education about psoriasis in skin of colour can help reduce disparities.
Conclusion
This study highlights significant disparities in the psoriasis care journey for non-white Canadian patients, emphasizing the need for culturally inclusive research and healthcare practices to improve diagnosis, treatment access, and support services for diverse populations.
References
Yadav et al. 2022 -- Barriers to Psoriasis Care in Skin of Colour
World Health Organization Global Report on Psoriasis
