A Cross-Sectional Study for Alopecia Patterns, Family History, and Diet Reveals Early-Onset Hair Loss in Residents of Saudi Arabia and a Lack of Awareness About Available Treatments
January 2025
in “
International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries
”
New to Minoxidil? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study explored androgenetic alopecia in a large Saudi sample, finding that onset often occurs in youth, with strong family aggregation and minimal use of treatments like minoxidil, despite high rates of hair shedding during combing, especially among women.
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The study investigated androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in Saudi Arabia, focusing on age of onset, family history, diet perceptions, and treatment awareness among 1,010 participants. The majority were women (72.4%), with a significant portion aged 20–29 years. Early onset of AGA was common, with 50.9% experiencing it between ages 10–19. A strong familial link was noted, as 71% had affected relatives. Hair shedding was more frequently reported by women (63.2%) than men (31.5%). Despite the prevalence, treatment awareness was low, with only 11.9% using minoxidil and nearly half not pursuing any treatment. The study highlights a need for increased awareness and education on AGA treatments in Saudi Arabia.
