Effect of vitiligo on self reported quality of life in Southern part of Iran

ABSTRACT

Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary disorder of the skin. Although not life threatening, it has considerable effects on the psychological well-being of patients. It has been suggested that vitiligo patients suffer from low self-esteem and poor body image which may cause a lower level of quality of life. To evaluate the effect of vitiligo on the self reported quality of life among inhabitants of south part of Iran. One hundred and twenty four patients, above 16 years of age, from dermatology clinics and phototherapy centers were included in the study from 2008 to 2009. A valid translated version of the self-reported Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] with 10 questions was completed by the subjects. The questionnaire scored the subjects from 0 to 30. Demographic variables such as age, gender, and disease related characteristics were recorded in the data sheet forms. On average, patients were 27.8 +/- 10.9 years old. Around 55% were females. The overall mean DLQI score was 9.09 +/- 6.18. The DLQI mean score was 8.78 and 9.46 in women and men, respectively [p=0.54]. DLQI score did not significantly vary among different types of disease, age and marital status groups. Although the relationship between the duration of disease was not significantly related with DLQI [r=0.03, p=0.74], the percentage of body affected by vitiligo was related with DLQI significantly [r=0.19, p=0.03]. The highest individual mean scores were found for Q2 [feeling], Q8 [interpersonal relationship] and Q5 [social life and leisure activities]. This study indicates that vitiligo can impair a patient's quality of life and have a marked psychological impact. On an average, the quality of life decreased around 70% [score 9 out of 30] in such patients. The only significant predictor for quality score was the percentage of body affected by vitiligo. Surprisingly, both men and women express comparable level of quality of life