Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of vitiligo among patients attending dermatology clinics in Saudi Arabia. Seven observational studies conducted across different regions of Saudi Arabia were included, reporting prevalence rates ranging from 1.5% to 7.0%. The pooled prevalence estimate was 3.6% (95% CI: 2.0%-5.8%), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 98.2%) observed among studies. Subgroup analyses revealed slightly higher prevalence rates among females (3.3%; 95% CI: 1.3%-5.9%) compared to males (3.1%; 95% CI: 1.7%-4.9%), aligning with global trends. Most studies were of high methodological quality but limited by their hospital-based nature, which might overestimate prevalence. These findings highlighted the need for community-based studies to provide more representative estimates of vitiligo prevalence. Public health initiatives, including genetic counseling and awareness campaigns, are essential to mitigate the burden of vitiligo. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies, exploring genetic-environmental interactions, and developing targeted interventions to improve management outcomes.

Key words: Vitiligo, prevalence, systematic review, meta-analysis, Saudi Arabia