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Investigating factors associated with quality of life of vitiligo patients in S ingapore
Author(s) -
Chan Moon Fai,
Thng Tien Guan Steven,
Aw Chen Wee Derrick,
Goh Boon Kee,
Lee Sze Min,
Chua Tse Lert
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/ijn.12179
Subject(s) - vitiligo , medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , disease , depression (economics) , clinical psychology , dermatology , nursing , economics , macroeconomics
Skin disease is often visible to others. People who have dermatological condition may also suffer from its psychological consequences. The purpose of this study is to explore the quality of life of patients with vitiligo and to identify factors associated with their quality of life. A descriptive correlational study was conducted with 222 patients with vitiligo recruited from two skin centres in S ingapore from 2009 to 2011. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Three outcome variables were measured in the study: predisposal, clinical and psychological outcomes. Results showed that almost two‐thirds of the participants reported vitiligo had moderate to extreme impact on their quality of life. Multiple regression analyses showed that patients who were depressed, had thyroid disease and had not used multiclear treatment were more likely to report poor quality of life. It is recommended that providing health care consultation for patients with vitiligo may help reduce depressive symptoms and maintain their psychological health, thus enhance their quality of life.