A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES REGARDING VITILIGO

Background: Vitiligo is a long-term autoimmune condition affecting up to 2% of the global population, characterized by skin depigmentation. Its visible nature often leads to social stigma, significantly impacting the psychological well-being and quality of life of those affected. Limited public understanding of the disease contributes to this stigma. Methods: This study was conducted with 1000 participants to evaluate public knowledge and attitudes toward vitiligo. The survey comprised four sections: sociodemographic data, exposure to vitiligo, knowledge assessment, and attitudes toward the condition. Knowledge and attitudes were scored and categorized into levels. Statistical analyses examined the influence of sociodemographic factors and exposure to vitiligo on these scores. Results: The mean knowledge score was 8.72 ± 2.46, and 67.1% of participants exhibited moderate knowledge. Attitudes were predominantly positive, with a mean score of 4.41 ± 3.12, and only 13.2% had negative attitudes. Younger participants, women, and health-related professionals demonstrated higher scores for both knowledge and attitudes. Prior exposure to vitiligo was significantly associated with improved scores. Sources of information impacted attitudes, with physician-provided knowledge fostering more positive perceptions. Conclusion: The findings highlight good public knowledge of vitiligo, though misconceptions persist, particularly about its autoimmune and non-communicable nature. Positive attitudes were correlated with higher knowledge levels, emphasizing the importance of public education initiatives led by healthcare professionals. Targeted awareness campaigns and reliable online resources are recommended to address misconceptions and reduce stigma.