Smoking, alcohol consumption and substance abuse in patients with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study

Background: The role of smoking and alcohol consumption in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is well-known; however, certain published studies have focused on the relationship between substance abuse and psoriasis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of tobacco smoking, and substance and alcohol use in patients with psoriasis. Methods: Patients with a definite diagnosis of psoriasis at ages of 15 or more were recruited and general information of patients and their smoking behavior, alcohol consumption and substance abuse were further collected. Results: 203 patients (103 men and 100 women) with psoriasis were included in this cross-sectional study. There were 76 smokers (37.45%) and 49 patients (24.1%) who consumed alcohol. Smoking, opium and alcohol consumption were significantly higher in men with psoriasis compared with women (P-values = 0.0001, 0.003, 0.002, respectively). Tranquilizer use was higher in married patients (P = 0.002), and those with joint involvements (P = 0.009). Hookah use was considerably high in female psoriatic patients, although not statistically significant (P = 0.37). Moreover, patients older than 40 years, and with nail disease (odds Ratio = 3.8) were more prone to hookah use. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the prevalence of smoking, opium and alcohol consumption is higher in men with psoriasis. Moreover, tranquilizer use is higher in married patients, and those with joint involvements. These findings should prompt public health workers to consider the modifiable habitual risk factors in patients with psoriasis.