The Psychosocial Burden of Androgenetic Alopecia in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

The cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia in February 2023 involved 1230 patients, mostly females (72.8%), and examined the psychosocial burden of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study found a low level of psychosocial burden due to AGA, with a median score of 1.00 (0.00–2.00), reflecting a 10.0% impact. Patients without a family history of AGA were 36.0% less likely to be affected psychosocially. The study emphasized the importance of considering psychological and psychosocial factors in the care of dermatological conditions, including AGA. The researchers suggested that primary care physicians can improve patient care by providing evidence-based information and acknowledging the psychosocial dimensions of the condition. The study had limitations, including the use of a non-convenience sampling technique and the self-administered nature of the study design, which may have affected the generalizability of the findings. Further studies were recommended to examine the impact of disease duration and the type of alopecia on patients' psychological outcomes.