Psychological Impact and Awareness of Androgenetic Alopecia Among Filipino Male Patients Aged 18 to 65 seen at the Outpatient Department of the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, Department of Dermatology

Abstract

Background Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. Although losing hair is not life-threatening, it can lead to psychological distress.

Objective To investigate the psychological impact using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the awareness among Filipino male patients aged 18 to 65 with androgenetic alopecia.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the OMMC Dermatology. Psychological impact was assessed using HADS. Age, education, duration of disease, previous investigation experience, previous experience in treating this condition, and satisfaction ratings for the treatment were likewise obtained.

Results 145 Filipino male patients with androgenetic alopecia were included in the study. The risks of anxiety and depression were not statistically associated with severity of AGA (P>0.05). The risk of depression was highest among those with severe AGA. 57% had previous investigation experience and 21% had previous experience in treating the condition, however only 1 or 0.7% was satisfied with the treatment. Age, education, duration of disease, level of awareness and treatment satisfaction and the severity of AGA in Filipino male patients were not statistically associated with anxiety (P>0.05), however, age, education and Hamilton Norwood Classification were statistically associated with depression (P<0.05).

Conclusion Three factors have been found to influence psychological well-being and self-image in AGA patients: age of 50 years and above, lower education level, and a moderate to severe grade of disease according to the Hamilton-Norwood classification. It is hoped that optimal management focusing on these factors can be used to solve one of the mankind’s psychologically debilitating hair diseases.