Impact of Androgenic Alopecia on the Quality of Life in Male Subjects: Results of an Observational Study from Tertiary Care Hospital

Title: Impact of Androgenic Alopecia on the Quality of Life in Male Subjects: Results of an Observational Study from Tertiary Care Hospital

Authors: Dr Rahul Bade, Dr Deepak Bhosle, Dr Abhijeet Bhagat, Dr Huzaif Shaikh, Dr Asif Sayyed, Dr Alim Shaikh

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i10.05

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate psychological impact and quality of life of androgenic alopecia in male patients.

Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in male subjects between 15 and 60 years with Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) grade I to VII. Quality of life was measured by Hairdex scale. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire was used to measure the impact of skin problem on the life of patients over the last week.

Results: Two hundred subjects (mean age 30.6 years) were enrolled in the study of which 51% were between 21-30 years of age. Percentage of subjects with middle class, lower class and upper class socioeconomic status were 34.5%, 20% and 34% respectively. History of stress was observed in 66.5% subjects. Positive family history of alopecia was given by 51% subjects. Scalp and hair condition was dry in 9.5% subjects while hair pull test was positive in 7% subjects. The Quality of Life subscales results showed subjects < 30 years to be less affected on symptoms subscale. They had higher scores than subjects with > 30 years for stigmatization, functioning and emotions (p< 0.05). However, the younger age group proved to be more self assured (p< 0.05). Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score differed significantly in subjects with different age groups (; p<0.05) with highest score in subjects < 20 years of age. The mean DLQI of younger subjects was significantly higher than older subjects (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: Younger patients are more stigmatized, have poor functioning and emotions stability, but they had more self assuredness. Younger patients seem to retain better Quality of Life despite AGA.

Key words: Andogenetic alopecia, India, male, observational study

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Corresponding Author

Dr Abhijeet Bhagat