A Study of Biochemical Factors and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Patients With Premature Graying of Hair
April 2024
in “
TURKDERM
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Studysummary In this study, researchers found a strong association between premature graying of hair and deficiencies in vitamin D and B12, hypothyroidism, and deranged iron profiles, along with higher stress, altered appetite, smoking, and sleep pattern issues, significantly impacting quality of life. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study with 75 patients and 75 controls found that premature graying of hair (PGH) is significantly associated with deficiencies in vitamin D, abnormal vitamin B₁₂ levels, hypothyroidism, and deranged iron profiles. It also noted that patients with PGH had higher rates of stress, smoking, altered sleep patterns, and bowel habits. The knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) analysis revealed that PGH affects the quality of life, with 68% of patients having little knowledge about the causes of PGH. Lifestyle factors such as the use of non-medicated shampoos, hair oiling, and hair dye were common among patients. The study suggests that these biochemical and lifestyle factors should be considered in patients with PGH and that there is a need for individualized counseling and management due to the psychological impact of the condition.