Androgenetic alopecia: What impact does it have on the quality of Life?

Abstract

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair disorder resulting from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and nutritional factors. It may be associated with psychological, social, and emotional disturbances in the affected individuals and this may lead to a significant reduction in the quality of life (QoL). Aim: This study determined the impacts of AGA on the QoL among a Nigerian population. Patients, Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 110 adults with AGA. Adult patients with AGA attending dermatology clinic were consecutively recruited after obtaining an informed consent. The QoL was assessed with Hairdex questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 43.45 ± 11.72 years (age range of 23–82 years) with male-to-female ratio of 14.7:1. The AGA duration ranged from 2 to 38 years, with a mean duration of 11.5 ± 4.2 years. Significant impairment in QoL was observed among the subjects in the Hairdex domains of symptoms, functioning, emotion, stigmatization, and self-confidence. Subjects who have previously been treated were more affected compared to those who were new and were yet to receive any treatment. Conclusion: Significant proportion of individuals with AGA experience enormous impairment in the QoL, indicating the need for psychosocial support while managing such patients.