Perception of illness, Body image and Quality of life among patients with Vitiligo

Abstract

Skin is the most visible and largest organ of the human body. It plays a vital role in mode of communications through expressions. “Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness” this is the reason most youngsters spend more time in front of the mirror. Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by patches of de-pigmented skin and the estimated global prevalence is between 0.5% and 2%. Vitiligo significantly affects patient’s perception, body image and their Quality of life (QoL). It is cosmetically and psychologically devastating and affects anyone irrespective of age, gender, race, skin type or ethnicity. Aim: This study was conducted with an aim to assess the Perception of illness, Body image and Quality of life (QoL) among patients with Vitiligo and its association with selected demographic and clinical variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to recruit participants. A total of hundred participants with the diagnosis of Vitiligo attending dermatology outpatient department from a tertiary care center were selected using consecutive sampling technique. The data collection instruments included Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Modified Body Image Scale, and Vitiligo Specific Quality of Life Instrument. Results: Male (45%) and female (55%) participated in the study. The mean age groups of male and female participants were 44.17 ± 14.78 and 38.36 ± 13.89 respectively. Majority (64%) of the participants perception of illness were moderately affected, 42% of the participants had moderate body image disturbance and the QoL was moderately impaired in 34% and severely impaired in 33% of the participants. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between perception of illness and body image (r = 0.441; p = 0.001), perception of illness and QoL (r = 0.518; p = 0.001) and body image and QoL (r = 0.666; p = 0.001) of the participants. There was a significant association between Perception of illness with type of vitiligo, body image with location of lesions and QoL with duration of illness and Vitiligo Area Severity Index Score (VASI). Conclusion: Patients with Vitiligo had body image disturbance and perception of illness which was directly proportional to QoL impairment. Hence, it is vital to address the psychological aspect of patients with Vitiligo. The health care providers should be geared to improve the QoL among patients with Vitiligo.