Analysis of Online Resource Utilization Among Individuals With Vitiligo

Background Few studies have assessed the usage of online resources by vitiligo patients. Our goal was to determine what information and sources individuals with vitiligo seek out on the internet and how this information affects them. Methods A 15-question cross-sectional survey related to online resources and their impact was developed and distributed to users on the MyVitiligoTeam forum from May to June 2022. The questionnaire gathered information on participants' demographics, their engagement with online resources, and the impact of this information. Descriptive statistics were completed with Qualtrics (Provo, Utah, United States). Results There were 95 responses. The majority of respondents (n = 72, 79.12%) reported currently using online resources to talk about or learn about vitiligo, with the most frequently utilized resources being medical websites (n = 35, 55.56%), vitiligo-specific organizations (n = 30, 47.62%), and social media (n = 21, 33.33%). When asked about the most useful resources for managing vitiligo, participants prioritized vitiligo-specific websites (37.25%) and social media (17.65%). The most important reasons for seeking out information online were for seeking out medical advice from healthcare professionals or organizations, learning about the cause of vitiligo, and exploring treatment experiences. The biggest impact yielded by online resources has been learning to cope with and manage psychosocial aspects of the condition (n = 20, 37.74%). Conclusions This study reveals the depth of influence that online resources have on vitiligo patients as they cope and manage their disease, particularly the significant psychosocial benefits. The findings show the psychosocial benefits of online engagement in supporting vitiligo patients.