Correlation of Dermatology Life Quality Section Index and Vitiligo Extent Tensity Index: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic depigmentary disorder having an autoimmune aetiology. Vitiligo has a severe impact on the quality of life of the individual in our country. Considering the changing socio-economic trend and the arrival of new medicines in the therapeutic armamentarium of dermatologists, there is a need to know whether Vitiligo, which had high social stigmata in the past, still continues to have the same impact on Quality Of Life (QOL). Aim: To find out the correlation of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in cases of vitiligo using Vitiligo Extent Tensity Index (VETI) score Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Dermatology at Military Hospital, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India, from January 2021 to March 2022. The study involved all patients with vitiligo, aged between 15-60 years including both sexes. The patients were given the DLQI questionnaire and DLQI scores were calculated. The DLQI score was correlated with the VETI score established clinically. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: A total of 108 patients which included 41 males and 67 females were included. The VETI score ranged from 0.5 to 25.7 (mean 5.8±4.187) whereas DLQI score ranged from 1 to 19 (mean 6.73±3.751). Patients with high VETI score (mean was 8.84±7.74) had high DLQI score (11-20), thereby correlating the extent of the quality of life compromised. Conclusion: The VETI positively correlated with the DLQI (r-value=0.476; p-value=0.001). Patients with a high VETI have a severely compromised quality of life.