Knowledge and attitude of general public toward vitiligo: a study from a tertiary care hospital from South India

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a common, autoimmune acquired disorder of the skin, which causes milky white depigmented macules on various parts of the body. These macules are commonly aesthetically disfiguring, which may significantly decrease their quality of life. Common peoples’ misconceptions and undue apprehension associated with vitiligo are the result of inadequate knowledge about this otherwise benign and harmless condition. Aims and objectives: To document the prevalent knowledge, attitude, and practices of general population on vitiligo. Materials and methods: It is a cross-sectional study of 3 months duration. A total of 500 people from the general public visiting hospital who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited and were provided with a questionnaire devised in local language (Kannada) which included questions related to knowledge and attitude toward vitiligo patients. The collected data were tabulated and assessed using descriptive statistics. Results: Statistically significant difference was noted in mean knowledge and attitude score between urban and rural subjects (P = 0.008, P < 0.001), respectively. Regression analysis showed gender, education, and age are the predictors of knowledge (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), respectively. Education and domicile were the predictor of attitude (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The study highlights that the availability of the different treatment options in the urban areas has increased the knowledge and attitude of public toward the condition. Thereby we conclude that the need of the hour is awareness program regarding knowledge and treatment options of vitiligo.