Psychosocial Status and Quality of Life among Vitiligo Patients

Abstract

Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder that may have a negative impact on patients' self-esteem, body image, social state and quality of life. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between psychosocial status and quality of life among patients with vitiligo. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was used to achieve the aim of this study. Setting: The study was conducted in laser unit at Benha Dermatology Hospital and in phototherapy unit at Benha University Hospital Governorate. Subject: A convenience sample of 100 patients with vitiligo was included from the above settings for conduction of this study. Tools: Five tools used for data collection. Tool I-A structured interviewing questionnaire was used to collect data about socio demographic and clinical characteristics of the studied sample. Tool II-Self-esteem Scale. Tool III-Body image scale, Tool IV-Social problems scale , Tool V-Quality of life scale. Results: More than half of studied sample had low level of self-esteem and quality of life. While more than half of studied sample had moderate negative body image. Also, half of studied sample had moderate level of social problems. Conclusion: There was a highly statistically significant positive correlation between total body image, total social problems and quality of life. While, there was a highly statistically significant negative correlation between total self-esteem of the studied patients and total body image, total social problems and quality of life. Recommendation: Stress management and assertiveness training program should be given to patients with vitiligo to relieve the psychosocial problems and enhance coping patterns.