Psychosocial Predictors of Quality of Life in Patients With Vitiligo

Abstract

The present study was designed to examine psychosocial predictors of quality of life (QoL) such as body image, self-esteem, impact of Vitiligo (psychologically and socially), and perceived stigmatization in patients with Vitiligo. The sample (N =120) comprised of individuals with Vitiligo recruited from dermatology units of different hospitals in Lahore. Body Image State Scale (Cash, Fleming, Alindogan, Steadman, & Whitehead 2002), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), Vitiligo Impact Scale (Rammam, Khaitan, Mehta, Sreenivas, & Gupta, 2014), Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (Lawrence, Fauerbach, Heinberg, & Thomas, 2006) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (Finlay & Khan, 1994) were used as assessment measures. Results revealed that most of the individuals with Vitiligo reported poorer perception of QoL; while, men with Vitiligo expressed better perceived QoL as compared to women. Individuals with both types of Vitiligo (lesions on exposed/unexposed regions) expressed poor body image, negative impact of Vitiligo on their psycho-social functioning, and higher levels of perceived stigmatization. Individuals with exposed Vitiligo affected regions exhibited lower self-esteem. In addition, body image, impact of Vitiligo (psychologically and socially), and perceived stigmatization (absence of friendly behavior) significantly predicted QoL. It was concluded that Vitiligo had a greater impact on individual’s psychological health and social functioning rather than physiological complications.