Validation of the Arabic version of SARI Scale and Prevalence of stigma and its associated factors among vitiligo patients in Medina, Saudi Arabia 2024

Abstract

Background

Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition caused by the absence or destruction of melanocytes, which results in white patches on the skin. Vitiligo has a serious effect on patients’ psychology and social lives; stigma is a significant issue. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of stigma and its associated factors among vitiligo patients in medina, saudi arabia.

Methods

The researchers conducted an analytical cross-sectional study from february 2024 to may 2024 at king fahad hospital in medina, saudi arabia. 103 vitiligo patients participated in the study. We collected the data using the arabic version of the stigma assessment and reduction of impact (sari) scale. For statistical analysis, we performed non-parametric tests and linear regression to identify significant predictors of stigma.

Results

The prevalence of high stigma in this study was found to be 50.5%, which corresponds to 52 participants. Among the subjects, there were 45 males and 58 females, with a mean age of 34 years. Several factors influenced the level of stigma, including marital status, monthly income, involvement of the back in the disease, and disease progression. The prevalence of high stigma across different subdomains was as follows: 55.3% (57 participants) experienced stigma, 50.5% (52 participants) had disclosure concerns, 51.5% (53 participants) experienced internalized stigma, and 52.4% (54 participants) anticipated stigma. Education level and reasons for unemployment were found to influence experienced stigma, while marital status, gender, and monthly income affected disclosure concerns. Internalized stigma was primarily influenced by marital status, whereas anticipated stigma was associated with back involvement and monthly income. Multivariate analysis identified several significant predictors of stigma: divorce (p=0.008), worsening disease condition (p=0.038), and back involvement (p=0.011). Additionally, individuals with a monthly income between 5,000 and 10,000 saudi riyals also exhibited significant stigma (p=0.035).

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate a connection between stigma and various sociodemographic and clinical factors in patients with vitiligo. Key factors influencing the stigma faced by these patients include gender, marital status, income level, education, age, visibility of the lesions, and the progression of the disease. To enhance the quality of life for vitiligo patients, it is essential to implement effective interventions that address these factors within clinical settings and support services.