Журнал расстройств сна и терапии
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Quality of Life and Affective Health of Patients with Vitiligo

Nermin Almomani, Imad Abdulmajeed, Saeed Ur Rahman and Amal Alakkam

Background: Vitiligo is a common hypopigmentary skin disease that can affect the quality of life and has an impact on the psychological health of the patient. Unfortunately these aspects are usually missed in the care process and underestimated in the assessment and management of vitiligo patients.

Aim of the Study: To determine the quality of life and assess the psychological impact of Vitiligo among Saudi patients, to understand the variables which may influence their psychological wellbeing and to assess the association between the quality of life and psychological morbidity.

Methods: Using cross sectional design, 234 adult patients were recruited from different hospitals in Saudi Arabia between October 2010 and February 2011. Quality of life and psychological health were assessed by Dermatological Quality of life Index and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale respectively, which are well known, widely accepted questionnaires.

Results: Quality of life was more affected in females, age group (21 -30) years, low income patients and patients with generalized vitiligo. Anxiety was noticed more in females and in patients with jobs which required dealing with people on daily basis. Depression was higher in less educated and low income patients. DQLI score positively correlated with the HAD scale.

Conclusion: Vitiligo has a large impact on quality of life and mental health. Psychosocial history should be assessed and considered in any patient with Vitiligo.