Androgenetic alopecia: does its presence change our perceptions?

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of androgenetic alopecia on males with and without hair loss and to delineate the level of stress gained by this type of alopecia.

Methods: Two hundred and 52 males (175 with hair loss, 77 without hair loss), between 16 and 72 years of age, participated in the study. A hair loss form (five questions for sociodemographical features, eight questions for dermatological features, eight questions for psychological evaluation) and a list of stressful life events were used.

Results: Desire for treatment was significantly different between the participants with and without androgenetic alopesia (AGA; chi(2) = 5.877, d.f. = 1, P = 0.015). Regardless of the presence of AGA, 61.4% accepted AGA as a natural condition with a solution that should be sought, 38.5% as a cause for increased attention, and 56.2% thought that the psychological effects of AGA would mostly be negative. The negative effects of their AGA on other family members, relationships with the opposite sex and occupation/academic life were considered by 37.1%, 43.0% and 36.3% of the participants, respectively. None of the psychological parameters differed significantly between the participants with and without AGA. A small portion (5%) of the variance in perception of stress (0.22(2) = 0.048) might be explained by the degree of alopecia.

Conclusion: Social and cultural differences might alter perceptions concerning AGA regardless of its presence in an individual.