{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Health-related quality of life of adult and adolescent patients living with alopecia areata in Australia.
{Author}: Sinclair R;Eisman S;Lee CMY;Hitschfeld M;Witcombe D;Pereira CDF;
{Journal}: Australas J Dermatol
{Volume}: 65
{Issue}: 5
{Year}: 2024 Aug 20
{Factor}: 2.481
{DOI}: 10.1111/ajd.14311
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>To understand the experiences of adolescent and adult patients living with alopecia areata (AA) in Australia regarding symptom severity and the impact on psychosocial well-being and work/classroom productivity.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A cross-sectional online patient survey among adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with AA was recruited via the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation. Patient-reported outcomes were also assessed.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of 337 patients (49 adolescents; 288 adults), with a mean ± standard deviation age of 14.7 ± 1.55 and 38.9 ± 13.31 years for adolescents and adults, respectively, were included. In the group with extensive hair loss (Scalp Hair Assessment Patient-Reported Outcome, categories 3 + 4, n = 172), we observed higher emotional symptom and activity limitation scores (Alopecia Areata Patient Priority Outcomes, emotional symptoms: adults 2.5 ± 1.03, adolescents 2.2 ± 1.15; activity limitations: adults 1.4 ± 1.15, adolescents 1.2 ± 0.99). Additionally, in adults, the Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale global score was 4.0 ± 2.10 (symptoms subscale score 4.1 ± 1.91; interference subscale scores 3.8 ± 2.73). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores were high across participants, irrespective of hair loss extent (adults: anxiety 9.2 ± 3.85, depression 6.6 ± 3.95; adolescents: anxiety 9.7 ± 4.65, depression 5.2 ± 3.59). Work and classroom productivity were substantially impaired due to AA, with 70.5% of adults and 57.1% of adolescents reporting activity impairment, and overall work/classroom impairment reported at 39.2% and 44.9%, respectively.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>AA impacts the physical, emotional and psychosocial well-being of both adult and adolescent patients. More extensive hair loss more profoundly impacts those living with AA. Patients may benefit from patient-centred care approaches addressing the impact of hair loss on mental and emotional well-being, daily activities and work productivity.