Impact on Quality of Life in Patients who came with Androgenetic Alopecia for Hair Transplantion Surgery in a Clinic.

INTRODUCTION: Androgenetic alopecia, also known as as male pattern baldness, affects up to 50% of men and 10% females worldwide. Patients with baldness seem to have a great impact on quality of life including their self-esteem, confidence, relationship as well as work.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study on dermatology quality of life index in patients with androgenetic alopecia who came for hair transplantation surgery at Aavaran Skin Clinic Pvt Ltd, Battisputali, Kathmandu between 15th July 2017 to 15th February 2018. Ethical clearance was taken from ERB of Nepal Health Reasearch Council Reg No 113/2017. All cases enrolled for transplant surgery during the study period and meeting the inclusive criteria were included.

RESULTS: A total of 120 patients participated in the study. Age of the patients ranged from 19 to 49, mean age being 31.87±6.8. Maximum number of patients was in age group 25 to 34. Mean dermatology quality of life index score was 2.79. Maximum score was 14 & minimum score was 0. Maximum effect was seen in question number 2 of self-consciousness, which had impact on 58 (48.33%) patients at some level. Minimum impact on quality of life was seen in sexual activity where only 4 (3.33%) of patients were affected.

CONCLUSIONS: Androgenetic alopecia had a small effect on quality of life of our patients, but for some it had a great psychological impact not only with their personal feelings but also with the social response towards their problems.