Perception of vitiligo patients about their illness: A single center study in Egypt

Illness perception of vitiligo patients

Abstract

Backgound: Vitiligo as a chronic disease is associated with many myths and wrong beliefs. Objective: This study aims to describe the illness perception of vitiligo patients and its associated factors. Method: In this cross-section study the Arabic version of illness perception questionnaire was completed from 100 vitiligo patients. Patients were asked about their beliefs of the cause of vitiligo. The median score of the seven subscales (acute/chronic, cycli­cal, consequences, personal control, treatment control, disease understanding and emotional effects) were calculated and their variations with different parameters were compared. Results: Majority of patients believe that emotional state, family problems, altered immunity, heredity and infections are causes of vitiligo. The median scores of beliefs about chronicity, cyclical nature, consequences, personal control, treatment control, disease understanding and emotional effects are   18, 12, 17, 21, 18, 14 and 24; respectively. The median scores of beliefs about chronicity and clyclical nature are significantly higher among patients with above secondary education and in patients with more 36 months of disease duration. The median scores of beliefs about disease understanding is significantly higher among patients of younger age; unmarried and with youger age of onset. Study limitations: a single center study on small sample of patients. Recall bias and social desirability image cannot be excluded. Conclusions: patients have wrong belifs about causes of vitiligo and believed that their life and emotions are strongly influenced by the disease. Health education and psychological counseling could correct these beliefs and influences.