QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH VITILIGO PRESENTING TO TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic depigmenting skin disorder characterized by the loss of melanocytes, resulting in progressive white patches that often carry psychological and social consequences. Although it poses no direct physical harm, vitiligo can significantly impair the quality of life (QoL), particularly when lesions are located on visible areas of the body. The emotional toll is often under-recognized, especially in resource-limited settings where psychosocial support may be lacking.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with vitiligo presenting to a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from August 2024 to February 2025. A total of 95 patients aged 18 to 65 years with clinically diagnosed vitiligo were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Quality of life was assessed using the validated Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Demographic and clinical variables were documented through a structured proforma. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Frequencies, percentages, and means with standard deviations were calculated. Chi-square tests were applied to determine associations between QoL and independent variables, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Among 95 participants, 35 (36.8%) were male and 60 (63.2%) female, with a mean age of 31.88 ± 12.04 years. Mean disease duration was 5.76 ± 1.46 years. DLQI scores revealed that 9 (9.5%) experienced no effect, 19 (20.0%) had a small effect, 25 (26.3%) a moderate effect, 31 (32.6%) a very large effect, and 11 (11.6%) an extremely large effect. Statistically significant associations were observed between QoL impairment and younger age (p = 0.01), female gender (p = 0.03), longer disease duration (p = 0.04), and involvement of exposed body sites (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion: Vitiligo significantly impairs quality of life, especially in young adults, females, and individuals with lesions on exposed areas. Integrating psychological support into dermatological care is essential for comprehensive management.