A Study on the Level of Stress Effect on Incidence of Vitiligo: A Case Control Study



Tajvar M¹ ; Mortezaei A² ; Sadeghinia A³ ; Emadi SN⁴ ; Khaledian Z^{1, 5}
Source: Tehran University Medical Journal Published:2022

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a multifactorial acquired disorder characterized by the complete or partial destruction of skin melanocytes in the affected areas. Vitiligo affects the personal and social life of patients negatively and causes defects in their quality of life. Since the role of psychological factors in some skin diseases and chronic disorders has been identified, the present study was conducted to understand the possible role of psychological stress in the incidence of vitiligo disease. Methods: This is a Retrospective Case-Control Study that was conducted in the Razi hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Science in 2021. Razi hospital is a specific referral center for dermatologic disorders. In this study, 87 patients with onset of vitiligo not more than 3 years before evaluation (case) were compared with 130 patients affected by other skin disorders with a well-established etiology (control). Participants were selected through convenience sampling from August to February. They were studied for experienced stressful life events during the year before the diagnosis. To understand this, we utilized a validated Stressful life events (SLE) Questionnaire. Additionally, we probed a clinical record, to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, medical history, and clinical status of the disease. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 23 with descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The incidence of the vitiligo disease by controlling socioeconomic confounders, was related to experience of stressful life events in past year (OR=1.89, CI=95%, P=0.01). The chance of developing vitiligo increased by 89% per each unit increase in the mean of stressful event. Also, an increase in personal conflicts (OR=2.23, P= 0.00), Educational concerns (OR=1.94, P=0.00), job security (OR=1.28, P=0.03) and family life (OR=1.57, P=0.03) significantly (95% CI) increased the chance of developing vitiligo disease. While for other events were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: stress plays a significant role in vitiligo disease as a causal factor. So, Psychosocial intervention should be considered in preventing and treatment of disease. © 2022 Tajvar et al.