الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Introduction Vitiligo is a common autoimmune disease that progressively destroys melanocytes in the skin, resulting in appearance of patchy depigmentation. Vitiligo is not ‘‘just a cosmetic condition’’ it is a psychologically devastating autoimmune disease that affect patients’ quality of life and self-esteem. Vitiligo has been associated with myths, including a lack of personal hygiene and contagion Such myths can influence others to act negatively towards the patients. Arabian communities differs from western communities in that the former possesses many misconceptions about vitiligo. The aim of work: The aim of this study are to compare the knowledge and attitudes towards vitiligo between vitiligo patients, their relatives and non relatives and describe the illness perceptions of vitiligo patients. Research Plan: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on a total of 300 participants (100 vitiligo patients, 100 relatives and 100 non relatives). Participants younger than 18 years and relatives and non relatives with vitiligo were excluded. They were recruited from outpatient clinic of Dermatology, Andrology and STDs, Mansoura University Hospitals in the period between September 2017 and September 2018. This study was done using a simple Arabic self-administered questionnaire that contain five main categories; demographic charateristics of participants, illness details as regard age of onset, duration, family history and BSA affected, questions to elicit knowledge about vitiligo, questions to elicit attitude towards vitiligo and IPQ-R. Conclusion: from this study, it could be concluded that: There are various misconceptions and negatives attitudes towards vitiligo. Vitiligo patients have correct perceptions about chronicity and recurrence of vitiligo and their life and emotions are strongly influenced by the disease. |