INTRODUCTION
Vitiligo is an aquired, idiopathic skin disorder that results from a loss of functional melanocytes from the involved skin.1-4 It is characterized by circumscribed depigmented macules and patches, frequently localized to periorificial areas and locations on the body that are subject to mild, chronic trauma.1-4 Frequently exposed skin areas including the face, dorsal hands, and feet are common locations of involvement.1-4 It is estimated that 0.5-2% of the general population is affected by vitiligo worldwide.5 Although generally not considered life-threatening or typically associated with intense physical symptoms, living with vitiligo can be very distressing due to its chronic course, freqently progressive and episodic natural history, potential cosmetic disfigurement, and perceived stigma.2-5 Patients with vitiligo often experience substantial impairment in their quality of life (QoL).6-8 Vitiligo patients have greater difficulties with depression and anxiety as compared to the general population, with 30% of patients reporting increased psychological morbidity.3,7,9,10 Patients with vitiligo not only report embarrassment and low self-esteem at work and social settings, but also report negative effect on their sexual and romantic relationships.3,11-16 Thus far, few studies have highlighted the role of supportive therapy in improving the QoL of vitiligo patients.2,3 However, no study to date has examined the QoL impact of vitiligo support group membership. The goal of this study was to examine the QoL impact of vitiligo support group participation by comparing vitiligo patients who are and are not members of a vitiligo support group.
METHODS
This case-comparison study was conducted between January and April 2012 at the Henry Ford Hospital (HFH) Department of Dermatology in Detroit, Michigan. The HFH dermatology department hosts a bimonthly vitiligo support group, the Southeast Michigan Vitiligo Support Group (facebook.com/MI.vitiligo), for individuals affected by the disease. One of the investigators, (RHH), is the leader for this group. The support group is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about vitiligo or simply seeking a supportive environment, regardless of whether they receive care from HFH. Membership in the support group is voluntary, without any associated dues. The study was approved by the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) Institutional Review Board. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Vitiligo patients who were unable to speak or read English and/or who were mentally and/or physically unable to complete the study questionnaires were excluded.
Cases
Adult members (age ≥18 years) of the Southeast Michigan Vitiligo Support Group (study support group) who had attended
