Perception of Hair Loss and Education Increases the Treatment Willingness in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecica: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

BackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) has a negative impact on self-image and decrease in quality of life. However, relatively few men have sought treatment for AGA. Improvement in treatment willingness is important for maintaining long-term management in patients with AGA.ObjectivesWe aimed to identify the prevalence of patients' perception of hair loss and evaluate various factors that affect the treatment willingness in patients with AGA.MethodsWe conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey of 503 patients with AGA (329 men, 174 women). We collected the various demographic data, family history of AGA, history of past treatment, self-perception of hair loss and treatment willingness using structured questionnaires. Then, we provided the knowledge about AGA to the half of subjects and compared the treatment willingness between educated group and nond-educated group.ResultsTwo-hundred and forty-seven out of 503 patients (49.1%) did not have illness perception and 262 out of 503 patients (52.1%) did not have treatment willingness in future. The patients with perception of hair loss, accurate information on hair loss and severe hair loss showed 1.745-fold, 1.700-fold, and 2.078-fold higher tendency of receiving treatment in future.ConclusionOur findings imply that patients with perception and greater understanding of AGA tend to pursue treatment for AGA. Thus, these elements should be taken into account when treating patients. In addition, emphasis on education is needed to increase public awareness of the AGA.

Disparities in the Utilization of Dermatologists for Primary Cicatricial Alopecias

“…Additionally, educational campaigns highlighting the importance of early dermatologic interventions in cicatricial alopecias-targeting the affected patient populations and referring physicians-may prompt patients to obtain treatment earlier in the disease course. 5 It is also unclear if the perception of scalp and hair symptoms differs between racial or ethnic groups, or if the lack of familiarity with ethnic hair amongst dermatologists, are contributing to the study results.…”

The psychological and aesthetic impact of age‐related hair changes in females

“…Around half of those affected with AGA did not perceive that they had signs of AGA . While this study showed that AGA led to a poor QOL, less than half of its subjects elected to not pursue treatment for AGA, primarily because they did not regard AGA as a treatable disease.…”

“…Those who were seeking treatment for their AGA were representative of those who had self‐awareness of hair loss. The authors of this study concluded that those who have a self‐awareness of hair loss and a better understanding of AGA were more likely to seek treatment for their AGA …”

“…The authors of this study concluded that those who have a self-awareness of hair loss and a better understanding of AGA were more likely to seek treatment for their AGA. 1 One study that assessed QOL in females with AGA and the resultant impact after treatment with minoxidil concluded that those with the greatest severity of hair loss had the highest negative impact on their QOL and a lower satisfaction in response to treatment. 34 Another study of both males and females with either AGA or telogen effluvium found that around three-quarters displayed signs of a personality disorder.…”

“…Hair is a reference of aesthetic perception, playing an essential role in age determination and gender identification, and may signify one's capability of conceiving (Figure ) . Because hair density is a reflection of youth, aesthetic appeal, and health, natural hair changes as a result of aging may impact an individual's self‐esteem and quality of life (Figure ).…”