BACKGROUND
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss and can onset at any age. It was reported to have a significant effect on health-related quality of life and psychological health. Reported prevalence rate is associated with multiple factors. However, these prevalence and disease burden in adolescents has not been explored.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the epidemiology and disease burden of AGA in Chinese adolescents.
METHODS
This population-based cross-sectional survey was carried out among 9227 freshmen of two comprehensive universities in two cities of China from September to October 2018. Dermatological examination was performed by certified dermatologists. Questionnaires covering basic issues, surrounding demographic information, history of diseases, etc. were completed online. Disease burden of AGA, including health-related quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and quality of sleep, was measured by EQ-5D-3L, PHQ-2, GAD-2 and PSQI. Meanwhile, 45 adolescents AGA patients visiting Xiangya hospital were enrolled as clinic AGA group for comparison of disease burden.
RESULTS
The prevalence of AGA in Chinese adolescents was 5.3/1000. Male was significantly associated with higher prevalence of AGA (7.9/1000, P<0.01). Female was associated with lower risk of AGA (OR=0.29, P=0.002). There was no significant association between BMI and AGA, nor predilection in different nationality. Annual household income or parental highest educational level exerted no influence on the prevalence of AGA. Rosacea (OR=3.22, P=0.019) was significantly associated with higher prevalence of AGA while acne seemed no association. The scores of EQ-5D, GAD-2, PHQ-2 and PSQI were not significantly different between students with and without AGA. However, the GAD-2, PHQ-2 and PSQI of clinic adolescent AGA patients were significantly higher than college patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The onset of AGA in Chinese college students differs between genders and was significantly associated with rosacea. Clinic AGA patients suffered from significant heavier disease burden compared to college AGA patients.