Gender differences in psychological features and determinates of quality of life in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: a cross-sectional study

BMC Psychol. 2025 Jun 6;13(1):619. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-02889-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Investigating gender-specific differences in rheumatology is crucial for improving personalized treatment. The present study aimed to explore gender differences in psychological characteristics and features associated with impaired physical and mental quality of life in male and female patients affected by axial spondyloarthritis or psoriatic arthritis.

METHODS: The present study is cross-sectional. Quality of life was evaluated using a Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form health survey (SF-36), and physical and mental component scores were presented. Data about disease activity, anxiety and depression, fatigue, perceived stress, and coping strategies were collected. The patients were stratified by gender, and clinical and psychological data were compared.

RESULTS: A total of 119 patients with axial spondyloarthritis [age 49.0 (SD 11.7); 45.4% F] and 198 patients with psoriatic arthritis [age 56.9 (SD 11.6); 62.6% F] were included. Female patients with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis had worse scores on fatigue, pain, perceived stress, physical quality of life, dysfunctional coping strategies, mental quality of life (only in axial spondyloarthritis), and anxiety (only in psoriatic arthritis) than men. In multivariable analysis, physical quality of life is mainly explained by fatigue and pain, and mental quality of life by fatigue, anxiety and stress in women with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Fatigue, pain and anxiety were significant variables across the models with male patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that female patients with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis experience worse scores in psychological variables compared to men. Additionally, women’s quality of life is significantly lower when compared to men’s one, primarily due to factors such as fatigue, stress, pain, and anxiety. To enhance patient well-being, therapeutic strategies should be tailored to address the unique clinical and psychological needs that arise from gender differences.

PMID:40481599 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-02889-5