Quality of life impairment amongst persons living with vitiligo using disease specific vitiligo quality of life index: A Nigerian perspective

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin and mucous membranes which manifests as white macules and patches due to selective loss of melanocytes. This condition can affect the patients' psychology, leading to an impairment of quality of life (QOL). Recently, much attention is been given to the emotional and psychological issues in the affected subjects. Aim of the Study: This was to assess the QOL impairment among Nigerian patients with vitiligo using a disease-specific quality of life index questionnaire (VitiQoL). Materials and Methods: Seventy seven adults aged 18 years and above with vitiligo attending the Dermatology Clinic of a tertiary health center were included in this cross-sectional study. The QOL was assessed using the vitiligo quality of life questionnaire (VitiQoL). Disease severity was assessed using Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI). Results: The mean age of the study participants was 38.97 ± 13.2 years, comprising of 32 (41.6%) and 45 (58.4%) females. Almost half of the vitiligo patients belong to the lower socioeconomic class, 37 (48.1%). The mean age of first onset of vitiligo was 33.5 ± 14.84 years, with 32 (41.6%) of the participants having age of first onset between 24 and 42 years. The mean VitiQoL score was 30.51 ± 15.74 (range 3–64). There was a significant relationship between VASI score and VitiQoL (P = 0.036, r = 0.517). Other factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, disease activity, family history of vitiligo, duration of the disease and educational attainment were significantly associated with VitiQoL score (P < 0.05). Conclusion: QOL is impaired significantly in Nigerian patients with vitiligo. Focusing on patient's QOL is an essential aspect in the management of patients with vitiligo.

Keywords

• black africans
• quality of life
• vitiligo
• vitiligo area severity index
• vitiqol