Impact of Premature Greying of Hair on Socio-cultural Adjustment and Self-esteem among Medical Undergraduates in Foundation University, Islamabad

Abstract

Introduction Greying of hair is an inevitable phenomenon that occurs commonly as a person ages. It usually occurs in the fourth decade regardless of gender but now a days, even people in their early twenties can experience premature greying. The objective of our study was to determine the frequency of premature greying of hair and its impact on the socio-cultural spheres of life and self-esteem of medical students. Methodology It is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Foundation University Medical College (FUMC) from January to February 2017. All medical students of FUMC who gave their consent were included in the study sample. Students who were absent or unwilling to participate were excluded. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire, which was then analysed using SPSS version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Results Out of 673 students, 210 (31.2%) suffered from premature greying of hair. The prevalence was higher among females (155/73.8%) as compared to males (55/26.2%). There was a statistical difference in perception of both the genders, regarding those with premature greying of hair trying to hide it (p-value = 0.000), premature greying of hair as contagious (p-value = .009) and the affected looking older than their actual age (p-value = 0.036). Conclusion The study showed that premature greying affected the socio-cultural spheres of students’ lives. Females were more prone to developing premature greying of hair. Genetics also play a significant role in the phenomenon. No positive correlation was found by using Rosenberg Self-esteem scale.

Premature Hair Greying - Magnitude and Associated Factors: A cross-sectional study in a university in Mysuru

“…Even though no scientific basis for the same could be found, a study conducted by Saad et al found that 44.3% of subjects perceived that lack of self-care in the form of inadequate washing, inadequate oiling of the scalp, or excessive use of cosmetics is a risk factor of PHG. (5) This study showed no relation to PHG with shampoo usage and oil usage frequency debunking the myth. PHG has often been linked to various nutritional deficiencies because of the involvement of certain nutrients in the melanogenesis of hair follicles (e.g.…”

“…(3) Moreover, since hair has a vital role in people's social and sexual communication, PHG can be distressing, especially for adolescents affecting their socio-cultural spheres of life and, in turn, their mental and social health. (5,6) PHG is a rising concern for children and their parents, making it essential to evaluate its prevalence and predominating risk factors. (1,2) The exact aetiology of PHG remains unknown, but it is considered that it occurs in genetically predisposed people exposed to various socio-clinical factors that increase oxidative stress and damage to melanocytes.…”

Khảo Sát Một Số Vấn Đề Về Tóc Thường Gặp Và Nhu Cầu Chăm Sóc Tóc Bằng Y Học Cổ Truyền Của Sinh Viên Chính Quy Năm Cuối Trường Đại Học Y Dược Cần Thơ Năm 2023

“…Tóc bạc sớm cũng là vấn đề về tóc thường gặp. Theo nghiên cứu của Muhammad Saad và cộng sự đã cho thấy rằng những người tóc bạc sớm thường bị chú ý, gây trở ngại trong các hoạt động xã hội [5]. Vấn đề cấp thiết được đặt ra là làm thế nào để giải quyết chúng?…”

“…Có thể do sự khác biệt về độ tuổi điều tra, chủng tộc và môi trường sống. Tỷ lệ tóc bạc sớm chiếm 20,1%, thấp hơn so với nghiên cứu Muhammad Saad và cộng sự thực hiện trên sinh viên Y khoa (31,2%) [5]. Sự chênh lệch này có thể do cỡ mẫu của nghiên cứu chúng tôi chưa đủ lớn, đối tượng khảo sát là ngành Y nói chung.…”