Factors affecting the quality of life in patients with vitiligo: A nationwide study

Abstract

Background

Little is known about factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of patients with vitiligo, and previous studies have shown conflicting results.

Objectives

To explore QOL of patients with vitiligo and to identify factors affecting QOL.

Methods

A nationwide questionnaire-based study was conducted with 1123 patients with vitiligo recruited from 21 hospitals in Korea from July, 2015 to June, 2016. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire for demographic information and the Skindex-29 instrument. Mild or severely impaired QOL in patients with vitiligo was assessed according to each arm (symptoms, functioning, and emotions) of the Skindex-29. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with QOL.

Results

The enrolled participants consisted of 609 males and 514 females with a mean age of 49.80 years (range, 20–84 years). The median duration of disease was 3.00 years (range, 0–60 years). Using multivariate logistic regression modeling, the involvement of visible body parts and a larger affected body surface area were consistently associated with QOL impairment in all three domains of the Skindex-29. Additionally, the QOL of patients aged 20-59 years, who potentially had a more active social life than older patients, was associated with functional impairment. In addition, a higher educational background was associated with emotional impairment.

Conclusions

The multitude of factors significantly influence the QOL in patients with vitiligo. A better appreciation of these factors would help the management of vitiligo patients.

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