Quality of Life in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

Abstract

Abstract

Objective:  To assess the impact of androgenetic alopecia on quality of life in our patients using DLQI.

Design:  Observational study.

Place and Duration of Study:  The study was carried out in Outpatient Department of Dermatology, KEMU/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore, for six months from (15-04-2010 to 14-10-2010).

Material and Methods:  A total of 125 patients suf-fering from androgenetic alopecia, of any severity, with age 18 years or above, belonging to either sex, who themselves were able to understand and complete the DLQI questionnaire in English or Urdu version, were enrolled in the study. Patients were asked to indi-cate how there life has been affected over the preced-ing week. The data was analyzed after compiling the results. The higher the DLQI score, the poorer is the QoL.

Results:  The mean DLQI score in 125 patients (53 males and 72 females) was 12.80 ± 3.76. The findings indicate several areas in which androgenetic alopecia had an impact on individual's QoL, particularly in relation to symptoms and feelings and personal rela-tionships. Women reported poorer QoL compared to men. Mean DLQI score was 11.87 ± 3.35 in males and 13.49 ± 3.91 in females.

Conclusion:  It was noted that in patients of andro-genetic alopecia, there were significant psychosocial limitations resulting from reactions of close relatives and friends.

Keywords:  Androgenetic alopecia, Quality of life, DLQI.