Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary skin disorder. For investigating knowledge among general population towards Vitiligo, a cross-sectional questionnaire study design was done. We developed a questionnaire to collect information on knowledge of the participants. Demographic data and knowledge towards Vitiligo were recorded. Total 49 subjects completed the questionnaires. Less than one-fourth of the participants realized that it was a hereditary disease and could be triggered by psychological stress. Less than half of participants knew that Vitiligo was not associated with specific food, the nature of disease which associated with immune system, and not associated with internal organ abnormality. Not more than two-third knew that it was not a contagious disease and not caused by poor hygiene. The only question which more than 70% of the participants answered correctly was that it was not life-threatening disease. Understanding the public’s misconceptions could help in finding the solution for the negative feeling towards Vitiligo.
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To Cite this article
C. Rachawong and P. Juntongjin, “Public knowledge towards Vitiligo,” International Journal of Health and Medical Sciences, vol. 3, no. 2, 38-42, 2017.