QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ADULT PATIENTS WITH VITILIGO ATTENDING DERMATOVENELOGY OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF SPHMMC, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, 2026.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Vitiligo is a chronic depigmenting skin disorder that is cosmetically and psychologically distressing, particularly in dark-skinned populations where cultural stigma is common. It is associated with significant impairment in quality of life, affecting social, occupational, and psychological well-being. Objective: This study assessed the quality of life among adult patients with vitiligo attending the dermatology outpatient department at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult vitiligo patients (≥18 years). The sample size of 175 was determined using the single population proportion formula, assuming a 95% confidence level, 5% margin of error, and an expected prevalence of impaired dermatology life quality index from prior studies, with adjustment for finite population and non-response. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured, pretested questionnaire, which included socio-demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and the validated Amharic version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Data were entered into Epi Info 7.1 and analyzed in SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, and ordinal logistic regression identified predictors of DLQI impairment, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 175 patients enrolled, most were young, female, and urban residents. Psychosocial domains such as embarrassment and clothing were most affected, with over one-third reporting a very large or extremely large impact on quality of life. Regression analysis showed that younger age, female gender, single marital status, shorter disease duration, extensive body surface area involvement, and visible lesions were significant predictors of DLQI impairment. Conclusion: Vitiligo significantly impairs quality of life, especially among younger, female, and single patients with extensive or visible disease. Psychosocial domains such as embarrassment, clothing, and social activities were most affected, underscoring the condition’s emotional and social burden. Holistic care integrating medical treatment, counseling, and stigma-reduction strategies is essential to improve patient outcomes. Keywords: Vitiligo; Quality of Life; Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); Psychosocial Impact; Ordinal Logistic Regression; Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College; Addis Ababa