Factors affecting quality of life in patients with vitiligo: A cross-sectional study

Background: Vitiligo, a chronic skin disorder characterized by depigmentation, significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL), leading to emotional distress, social stigma, and functional limitations. Understanding the factors influencing QoL in vitiligo patients is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors affecting QoL in patients with vitiligo and assess the impact of socio-demographic characteristics, disease duration, and site involvement. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Biddutt Skin center, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2023 to December 2024, involving 223 patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with vitiligo. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics, disease duration, site involvement, and QoL. The Skindex-29 tool was used to evaluate QoL across three domains: emotional distress, functional limitations, and social stigma. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of QoL impairment. Results: The majority of participants reported depigmentation (59.2%) as their chief complaint, followed by patches (14.3%), itching (11.2%), photosensitivity (9.0%), and hair changes (6.3%). The mean Skindex-29 score was 48.3±18.7, indicating a substantial impact on QoL. Disease duration >5 years (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4–3.8), visible lesions on the face (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–3.1), and female gender (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6) were significant predictors of QoL impairment. Younger patients (18–30 years) and those with comorbidities reported higher levels of emotional distress and functional limitations. Conclusion: Vitiligo profoundly affects QoL, with disease duration, visible site involvement, and socio-demographic factors playing key roles. A holistic approach addressing both clinical and psychosocial aspects is crucial for improving QoL in vitiligo patients. Early intervention and targeted support for vulnerable groups, such as younger patients and those with visible lesions, are recommended.