Knowledge and attitudes towards vitiligo in egyptian and palestinian communities: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired dermatological condition characterized by localized skin depigmentation. It affects 0.5% to 2% of the population, impacting individuals across various ages, races, and genders. The psychosocial effects of Vitiligo can significantly influence quality of life, particularly in people with darker skin tones, where the contrast of lesions is more pronounced.

Objectives: This study evaluated public knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions regarding Vitiligo in Egypt and Palestine, focusing on specific demographic Variations and the potential need for improved community engagement and education.

Method: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1,045 participants from Egypt and 450 participants from the West Bank. An online self-administered questionnaire was developed using Google Forms. The eligibility criteria for participation included Egyptian and Palestinian citizens residing in the West Bank. Individuals under 18 years or outside the designated study settings were excluded from participation. This study was conducted from April 2024 to August 2024.

Results: The analysis indicated that 62.8% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of Vitiligo; however, only 87.6% exhibited favorable attitudes toward the condition. The study revealed significant variations in knowledge and attitudes based on gender, occupation, previous health professional experience, and social status. Economic level and geographic location. Educational level was found to have a considerable impact on attitudes. Multiple linear regression analysis identified several significant predictors of. Knowledge and attitude scores included male gender, age categories of 18 to 25 and over 50, marital status, occupation in a health profession, personal experience with Vitiligo, prior awareness of the condition, and the attitude score itself. This explained 30.2% of the variance in knowledge scores and 28.1% in attitude ratings.fig.

Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into public awareness and perceptions of Vitiligo in Egypt and Palestine. A significant proportion of the participants demonstrated adequate awareness of the condition; however, favorable opinions appeared less prevalent. Notable discrepancies were observed among the various demographic characteristics, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives, such as media campaigns and school-based education, aimed at addressing information gaps and improving public perception.

Keywords: Attitudes; Middle East; Autoimmune disorders; Egypt; Palestine; Skin pigmentation; Vitiligo; awareness.

Fig. 1

The average of knowledge and attitude divided by the status group

Fig. 2

QQ plot assessing the normality of residuals in the multiple linear regression model with knowledge score as the criterion variable

Fig. 3

QQ plot assessing the normality of residuals in the multiple linear regression model with attitude score as the criterion variable

Fig. 4

Scatter plot depicting the relationship between knowledge and attitude towards Vitiligo, grouped by sex (0 = Female) (1 = Male)

Fig. 5

Scatter plot depicting the relationship between knowledge and attitude towards Vitiligo, grouped by type of work (0 = Other), (1 = Student), and (2 = Worker)

Fig. 6

Scatter plot depicting the relationship between knowledge and attitude towards Vitiligo, grouped by previous medical experience (0 = No) and (1 = Yes)