Impact of Vitiligo on Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Pilot Study from Western India

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a common, acquired, mucocutaneous discoloration characterized by well-circumscribed depigmented macules. It has profound potential for cosmetic disfigurement and social stigma, which is an often neglected aspect of the disease. Objectives: To analyze the impact of vitiligo on the quality of life (Qol) of patients in western India and To determine the contributory factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital on 60 patients with vitiligo (were enrolled after informed consent and ethical approval). Basic patient-related (age, gender, socioeconomic status, co-morbidities) and vitiligo-related variables (body surface area involved, stability, duration of disease, treatment modality) were noted. This information were collated with QoL using a standardized questionnaire, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Pearson’s r, unpaired t-test (SPSS version 16). Results: Mean DLQI score of the study sample was 3.15 ± 4.2 (small effect on QoL). The mean DLQI score in females (3.97) was significantly higher than in males (1.92) (P = 0.046). Also, the DLQI demonstrated a significant positive correlation with body surface area involvement (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.306) (P = 0.018). Other factors were not found to affect the DLQI. Conclusions: Various modifiable and non-modifiable factors influence the QoL of vitiligo patients. Gender- associated stigma may be alleviated by counseling and creating awareness, while the body surface area involvement may be addressed by instituting early and appropriate treatment. The clinician must be vigilant for any subtle signs of impairment of QoL to enable timely intervention.