Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and misconceptions among vitiligo patients in Southwest, Saudi Arabia

Hamad Alfahaad; Saleh Mesfer Alghamdi; Soliman Alsaiari; Wadha Alfarwan; Anwar Ali Farhan; Mahdi Alfataih; Mohammed Al Ameer; Enas Al Hadi

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Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and misconceptions among vitiligo patients in Southwest, Saudi Arabia

Author(s)

Hamad Alfahaad College of Medicine, Najran University,Najran,Saudi Arabia

Saleh Mesfer Alghamdi Khamis Mushayt General Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Soliman Alsaiari College of Medicine, Najran University,Najran,Saudi Arabia

Wadha Alfarwan Ministry of Health, Najran Branch, Najran, Saudi Arabia

Anwar Ali Farhan King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia.

Mahdi Alfataih Department of Dermatology, Assir Central Hospital,Abha,Saudi Arabia

Mohammed Al Ameer Department of Dermatology, Assir Central Hospital,Abha,Saudi Arabia

Enas Al Hadi College of Medicine, Najran University,Najran,Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective The study assesses the degree of knowledge possessed by patients with vitiligo in southwest Saudi Arabia regarding the disease's etiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis. Additionally, the study identifies factors associated with patients' knowledge about the disease. Methods The study administered a questionnaire in Arabic and English languages to measure the patients' knowledge about the causes of vitiligo, associated conditions, and available treatment options. The questionnaire was distributed among 293 patients diagnosed with vitiligo in the dermatology outpatient clinics at Khamis Mushayt General Hospital and King Khalid Hospital in Najran during the study period. Data analysis was conducted using ?2 test for categorical variables. Results 293 patients were recruited in this study. Of these, 124 (42.3%) were male, and 169 (57.7%) were female. Most patients were young, falling within the age group of 22-39 years. Approximately 156 (53.3%) of the patients possessed no awareness regarding causes of vitiligo. Only 52 (17.7%) patients demonstrated good knowledge related to vitiligo, while 241 (82.3%) had poor knowledge. Stress and fear were considered causative or aggravating factors by 68 (23.2%) patients. Additionally, only 138 (47.1%) patients were aware that the loss of pigment cells contributes to vitiligo. Herbal compounds were considered effective treatment agents by 56 (19.1%) patients. In addition, 211 (72%) patients were aware of vitiligo treatment with topical steroids, but 82 (28%) responded that they did not know about these treatment modalities. Conclusion Erroneous beliefs, misconceptions, and myths surrounding vitiligo were uncovered in this study. These misconceptions often lead to delayed medical advice-seeking and poor adherence to medication. To address this, health education programs should be implemented by health authorities, focusing on mass disease education.

Publication Details

Page(s) 72-82

DOI DOI not available

Published Journal: Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists, Volume: 34, Issue: 4, Year: 2024

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Keywords

perceptions, Vitiligo, misconceptions, Herbal compounds

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