Knowledge about androgenetic alopecia among women and men – a survey research

The aim of the research was to assess and compare the knowledge of women and men in various age groups about androgenetic alopecia, its etiopathogenesis and treatment. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects approximately 38% of patients with alopecia [1]. AGA caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on androgen receptors of hair follicles. DHT is formed from testosterone by 5α-reductase. This hormone causes regression of the hair follicle and shortening of the anagen phase, leading to hair loss [2]. Hair follicles of the top of the head and the frontal-temporal area are the most sensitive to effects of androgens. This translates into a characteristic pattern of alopecia, intensity of which can be assessed using the Hamilton and Norwood scale [3, 4] in men and Ludwig in women [4, 5].
The anonymous questionnaire was answered via the Internet by 553 people, 57.35% were men. Respondents were divided into six age groups. People aged 19–25 dominated, constituting 67.45% of the total (fig. 1); 51.54% lived in cities (over 200,000 inhabitants), a similar number declared secondary education. Results were analyzed statistically. Statistical significance of the correlation was tested with the Fisher test (p < 0.05 was considered significant) and their strength – with the Kramer V test. Confidence intervals were set at 95%. Calculations were performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 26.
Women statistically more often knew the concept of androgenetic alopecia and showed greater interest in the subject than men. They looked for information about AGA more often from doctors, in scientific literature and in cosmetology offices. More than half of respondents knew the physiological daily hair loss and correctly indicated the definition of baldness. In both of these questions, a statistically higher percentage of correct answers given by women was noticed. Identification of the etiology of AGA caused major problems, regardless of sex. Only 23.9% of respondents indicated genetic conditions as the only cause. Respondents often cited excess androgens, stress, medication and comorbidities as reasons for the occurrence of AGA. Determining the AGA phenotype was also problematic. Only 15.9% of respondents (regardless of sex) indicated the correct combination: thinning of hair at the top of the head and deepening of the frontotemporal angles in men. Men more often claimed that AGA should lead to complete baldness. Moreover, about 20% of respondents believed that this...


View full text...