Prevalence of Hair Loss and Stress as the Cause; A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Limited research has been undertaken on the Prevalence of hair lossand its relationship to stress in Pakistan. This cross-sectional study attempts at knowing the prevalence of hair loss among general population and to determine the relationship between stress and hair loss. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. A randomized sample of both male and female of all ages from different communities were offered to participate in the study. All the participants were assessed for level of stress using 14-item Sheldon Cohen "Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14)" and tested by "Hair Pull Test" for hair loss. PSS scores for low stress were set ranging from 0-18, scores ranging from 19-36 wereconsidered moderate stress and scores ranging from 37-56 corresponded to high stress. Results: A total of 456 individuals were invited and 424 [including both male (236) and female (188)] of them participated in the study, with a response rate of 92.9%. As per study criteria, the results of stress test showed that 67 (15.8%) individuals had low stress, 279 (65.8%) had moderate stress while 78 (18.3%) had high stress. A total of 42 (9.9%) individuals fulfilled the criteria of excessive hair loss (more prevalent among males in general; 30 out of 236 males (12.7%):(6.3%) 12 out of 188 females). In Males, hair loss was seen in 7.5% individuals with low stress, 9.8% individuals with moderate stress and 32% individuals with high stress. While in Females, hair loss was seen in 3.7% individuals with low stress, 5.9% individuals with moderate stress and 9.0% individuals with high stress). Conclusion:Hair loss is more prevalent in the male population (males show 2 times more hair loss than females) and there is a strong relationship between stress and hair loss.

Stress-Related Hair Loss Among the General Population in Al Majma'ah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…This prevalence aligns with existing literature, which suggests that hair loss is a common phenomenon that affects a substantial proportion of the global population regardless of age, sex, and ethnicity [13]. In line with prior research, females reported a higher frequency of hair loss than males [6,13]. Furthermore, age emerged as a noteworthy factor, with participants aged 31 to 40 (80.6%) experiencing hair loss more frequently than other age groups.…”

“…In humans, hair loss is often reported clinically during periods of excessive stress, and especially when hair loss does not indicate underlying organic disease it can be disturbing for hair loss patients and their doctors [ 7 , 8 ]. It was therefore hypothesized that analogous to the animal models, in humans, stress activates neuroendocrine-immune circuits, which terminate hair growth in the absence of other clinically noticeable health disturbances [ 6 , 7 ]. Soon a person goes through a stressful event, hairs can go into the resting phase.…”

“…Emotional stress, medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and dietary deficiency can also cause diffuse telogen effluvium which can be reversible once the condition has been treated. In addition, multiple drugs can cause telogen effluvia like oral contraceptive pills, androgens, retinoids, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, anti-convulsants, anti-depressants, and anti-coagulants [2][3][4][5][6].…”

Prevalence of Hair Loss among Men and its Association with Smoking and Stress: A Case Study in the City of Lahore, Pakistan

“…2 However, a daily hair fall that exceeds the said limit, is then labelled as "balding". 3 The incidence of hair loss is increasing globally and both men and women are equally affected by a hair loss, 4 that is related to several factors such as family trajectories, aging, hormonal changes, telogen effluvium (hair shedding due to illness), etc. 5 The psychological disequilibrium has been on the rise amongst the young male members of the society, who directly associate their physical appearance with feelings of low self esteem or insecurity, due to the hair loss that they have experienced.…”