Quality of life and self-esteem in patients with psoriasis, vitiligo and healthy controls: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Psoriasis and vitiligo are among the most common chronic skin diseases, which have a negative impact on the psychosocial well-being. Patients may experience social rejection and stigmatization. So, the aim of this present study is to assess and compare the self-esteem and quality of life (QoL) in patients with vitiligo, psoriasis and healthy controls and its relationship with age and gender. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, with a sample of total 150 cases, 50 each of psoriasis, vitiligo and healthy controls, aged between 18-64years. The assessment of all subjects was done for quality of life and self-esteem by using scales Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) respectively. Results: The results of our study showed that the self-esteem& quality of life was low in psoriatic patients when compared to vitiligo patients (p-0.000) and healthy controls (p-0.009). No relationship was found in patients of psoriasis and vitiligo between age and gender with regards to self-esteem and quality of life except poor social function domain of QoL, which was observed in middle age group (40-64years) patients of psoriasis. Conclusion: While evaluating and arranging treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo patients, these results in poor psychosocial functioning should be considered and along with dermatologic interventions, psychiatric approaches should also be included for a better outcome. Keywords: Quality of life, Self-esteem, Psoriasis, Vitiligo.