Psychosocial Problems Associated with Vitiligo: A Correlational Study on Vitiligo Patients

Abstract

Psychosocial problems influence the mental health as well as daily living of individuals. Vitiligo is one of those diseases which are strongly associated with psychosocial problems among its victim. Individuals with this disease are found to experience marriage delay, workplace discomfort, anxiety, depression, and remained to fail to cope with their skin condition. To determine psychosocial problems among vitiligo cases and to evaluate the role of psychotherapy in case management of vitiligo patients, this study employed a quantitative correlational study design. Data was collected from skin clinics in Islamabad from 15^th December 2017 to 15^th April 20018. A sample of 100 respondents including 60 cases and 40 controls was selected through convenient sampling technique. Questionnaires on self-esteem, depression, and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed for data analysis. Pearson correlation between vitiligo and psychosocial problems was significant at the p-value 0.01 level (2-tailed). Study results showed that vitiligo has a significant relationship with depression, self-esteem, and impaired quality of life among cases. Regression analysis among Vitiligo and psychosocial problems was significant with a p-value < .001. Moderation regression analysis between vitiligo effects and psychotherapy was not found significant. Vitiligo has been found associated with depression, low self-esteem, and impaired quality of life. However, the proposed effect of psychotherapy has not been confirmed. Therefore, the study suggests further research to evaluate the role of psychotherapy to manage psychosocial problems of vitiligo cases.  

Keywords: Psychosocial, problems, associated, correlational study, vitiligo patients.