Abstract
Background: Psychosocial implications and effect on the quality of life of individuals due to alopecia are underestimated. This article aims at highlighting its public health ramifications by assessing the quality of life and various factors influencing it.
Methods: A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted among 800 adult pa tients visiting four dermatological clinics in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scale and the Hair‐Specific Skindex‐29 (HSS 29) scale were used. Demographic characteristics affecting alopecia were noted and Hamilton–Norwood and Ludwig’s classification was used for baldness classification in males and females respectively. SPSS software analyzed the data. Descriptive analysis through frequency distribution was calculated. χ2 test was computed. Un paired t‐test compared the responses of males and females. p‐values<0.05 were considered significant.
Results: The mean DQLI score were 14.57±4.15 in females and 13.15±3.18 in males. The mean HSS‐29 score for women (87.81±15. 65) was significantly more than for men (77.81±13. 28). The HSS‐29 index is further categorized into three domains. The “symptom” domain score for women was 19.89±4.13 as opposed to 13.34±2.86 of males. The “function” domain was more in males (34.71±7.31) than females (32.74±3.45). Women (35.18±3.17) scored higher than men (29.76±8. 83) in the “emotion” domain.
Conclusion: The psychosocial impact of alopecia was greater in women than men. The mental health relevance and public health concern of alopecia need to be re cognized and an inter‐disciplinary approach should be adopted for its resolution.
KEYWORDS alopecia, depression, hair loss, psychological implications, quality of life, stress