%0 Journal Article
%T Quality of life assessment in males with androgenetic alopecia – a prospective study
%V 10
%N 4
%P 344-348
%U http://www.odermatol.com/issue-in-html/2019-4-6-alopecia/
%X Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss disorder with genetic predisposition seen commonly in men. Even though the condition is harmless, non-life threatening but it causes a significant amount of psychological stress and affects the individual’s overall quality of life (QoL). Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the QoL in patients with AGA using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. Methods: A total of 100 male AGA patients were enrolled in this study, and DLQI was used to evaluate the QoL of the patients. The DLQI uses 10 items regarding symptoms and feelings, daily activities, leisure, work and school, personal relationships, and treatment as dimensions of life, each scored on a 0–3 scale. The total DLQI score equals 0–30; higher scores showing greater impact on QoL. Results: The study population comprised of 100 males aged between 19 to 58 years with a mean age of 28.3±6.4 years. DLQI scores ranged from 2 to 21 with a mean score of 5.28. Higher DLQI scores were observed in younger patients and in patients with a long standing disease, as well as in patients with higher education and in unmarried population. Higher scores were obtained for questions pertaining to self image perception and social interaction impairment. Conclusion: Patients with AGA have a significantly decreased quality of life. A higher DLQI score was seen in younger age, long standing hair loss and in severe grades of alopecia. AGA is associated with a lowered self esteem.
%G en
%J Our Dermatology Online
%A Gupta, Mrinal
%D 2019-10-03