Identification of Stigmatization and Relevant Predictors in People with Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in German-Speaking Countries and the USA

March 2025 in “ Acta Dermato Venereologica ”

Johaina Kullab, Caroline F. Z. Stuhlmann, Stefanie Ziehfreund, Hannah Wecker, Tilo Biedermann, Alexander Zink

alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia quality of life stigmatization AA AGA QoL

TLDR Stigmatization and quality of life in people with alopecia are influenced by gender and sociodemographics, suggesting a need for better support.

This study investigated stigmatization and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in German-speaking countries and the USA, involving 771 participants. It found that all groups experienced stigmatization and impaired QoL, with German-speaking AA participants perceiving more stigma but better QoL than AGA participants. Similar trends were observed in the US sample, though not statistically significant. Stigmatization was associated with being male, younger, employed, having severe disease, daily-life restrictions, and anxiety. The study concluded that sociodemographics and gender significantly affect stigmatization and QoL, recommending interventions to enhance resilience and social support.

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