Abstract
Aim and Background: Vitiligo, an acquired dermatosis characterized by the autoimmune-mediated destruction of melanocytes, significantly compromises the Quality of Life (QoL) of affected individuals, particularly regarding psychological well-being. This detrimental impact is markedly exacerbated among government employees in India, where societal stigma and conspicuous disfigurement intensify psychological distress.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional pilot study was conducted across multiple dermatological institutions in Maharashtra, India, involving a cohort of 430 government employees afflicted with vitiligo undergoing therapeutic interventions. Assessment was conducted utilizing four validated psychometric instruments: the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Vitiligo Impact Scale-22 (VIS-22), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), and Vitiligo Quality of Life (VitiQoL). Data were meticulously analyzed using IBM SPSS® Statistics for Windows Version 21.0.
Results: The mean scores were DLQI at 21.79, VIS-22 at 49.54, TAS-20 at 67.86, and VitiQoL at 45.44. Notably, comparative analysis revealed significant pre- and post-treatment score differentials: DLQI improved by 3.32 points, VIS-22 by 30 points, TAS-20 by 14.83 points, and VitiQoL increased by 60.35 points. These findings elucidate a substantial attenuation of the psychosocial burden associated with vitiligo following therapeutic intervention and a concomitant enhancement in overall QoL.
Conclusion: The results underscore the imperative for targeted interventions that encompass comprehensive psychological support and evidence-based strategies to mitigate disease progression among government employees afflicted with vitiligo, thereby addressing both the somatic and psychosocial dimensions of this condition.
Keywords: Vitiligo; Depigmented patches; Psychological impact; Quality of Life