Androgenetic Alopecia in Policemen: Higher Prevalence and Different Risk Factors Relative to the General Population (KCIS No. 23)

A study conducted in Taiwan found that policemen have a higher prevalence of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) than the general population, with different risk factors associated with AGA in different age groups. The prevalence of AGA was twofold higher in policemen than in the general population. Obesity, sunlight exposure, and stress were postulated as possible causes, but obesity was found to play an important role in AGA in younger policemen. Sunlight exposure was significantly associated with AGA in middle-aged policemen, and stress from the occupation may also contribute to the higher risk. The study suggests that further investigation is needed to identify the underlying causes of the higher prevalence of AGA in policemen.