Relationship Between Working Hours And Probability To Take Alopecia Medicine Among Korean Male Workers: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study

January 2019 in “ Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine ”

Kyung-Hun Son, Byung-Seong Suh, Han-Seur Jeong, Min-Woo Nam, Hyunil Kim, Hyeong–Cheol Kim

alopecia alopecia medication hair loss job-related stress

Studysummary This study suggests that long working hours may contribute to the development of alopecia among Korean male workers.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study investigated the relationship between long working hours and the development of alopecia among 13,391 Korean male workers over a 4-year period. It found that longer working hours were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of developing alopecia, with odds ratios of 1.57 for those working 40-52 hours per week and 1.74 for those working more than 52 hours per week. The association was particularly strong among those in their 30s, unmarried, low-income, and those who smoked or drank alcohol. The study suggested that job-related stress might mediate this relationship and recommended preventive interventions to manage working hours. However, it noted limitations such as potential selection bias and the use of alopecia medication as a proxy for hair loss.

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