Prevalence of vitiligo and associated comorbidities in adults in Shanghai, China: a community-based, cross-sectional survey

Background The prevalence of vitiligo has been reported to range from 0.1% to 8% worldwide, and vitiligo has been linked to some autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitiligo and associated comorbidities in adults in Shanghai. Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 9,114 adults (4,288 males) in a community of Shanghai between October 2009 and January 2010. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at the home of each participant, and all respondents had their skin examined by dermatologists. The risks of comorbidities associated with vitiligo were evaluated by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results The estimated prevalence of vitiligo was 0.91%, and the standardized (age-adjusted) prevalence was 0.67%. Prevalence increased with age from 0.20% in 18-30 years to 1.59% in the 71-80 years age group. The presence of vitiligo was associated with increased risks of atopic dermatitis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =2.49; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.46-4.23], urticaria (aOR =1.83; 95% CI: 1.11-3.04). and coronary heart disease (aOR =1.88; 95% CI: 1.03-3.41), although the association with coronary heart disease was only identified in subjects who were aged ≥60 years or overweight. Conclusions The prevalence of vitiligo in Shanghai was comparable to that seen in previous studies and increased with age. Vitiligo was associated with increased risks of atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and coronary heart disease in adults.