Assessment of the Characteristics of Illness Behavior and Quality of Life in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia is a common, genetically predisposed condition among men and women, which commences at any age after puberty. It may significantly affect a variety of psychological and social experiences and the individual's quality of life(QOL). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of androgenetic alopecia on patient's illness behavior and quality of life. METHODS: A total of 192 male patients with androgenetic alopecia were enrolled and interviewed with structured questionnaire which contained 26 items including personal information, social, psychological questions and the patients' knowledge of androgenetic alopecia. RESULTS: 1. The mean age of the patients was 27 years old. The proportion of patients under 30 years old was 79.7%. 2. The mean age of onset in the patients was 24 years old. 3. Using the Norwood's classification, the proportion of type IIIa, type III, type IIIvertex and female pattern was 76.1%. And that of type I and II was 16.1%. 4. The 177 patients (92.2%) showed dissatisfaction about their hair states and 116 patients (60.5%) made efforts to conceal and compensate for their alopecia. The peer teasing about their condition was reported by 134 patients (69.8%). 5. Most unmarried patients (89.3%) thought that hair loss would erode their chances for romance. 6. Only 33 patients (17.2%) had experiences of professional treatments. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that androgenetic alopecia has significant impact on the overall QOL of patients.