Evaluating of Life Quality in Iranian Patients With Vitiligo Using Generic and Special Questionnaires

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a common acquired pigmentary skin disease that can adversely affect the patients’ quality of life (QOL). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the QOL in patients with vitiligo. Patients and Methods: This study included 70 patients with vitiligo. All the patients filled out two questionnaires: Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Data were compiled and analyzed by SPSS 17. Results: The mean score of patients with vitiligo on DLQI scale was 8.40 ± 5.76 (rang, 0-23). Although males scores on SF-36 scale was higher than females, the difference was not statistically significant (ANOVA, P = 0.68). With regard to age, The mean total score of SF-36 indicated insignificant differences among age groups (ANOVA, P = 0.456). There was a significant reverse correlation between the scores of different dimensions of QOL obtained from the study questionnaires. Conclusions: The study findings showed that vitiligo has a significant effect on the patients’ QOL. It seems that psychotherapy should be considered in the treatment of vitiligo.