Prevalence of premature canities among college students studying in a private medical college, Chennai

Abstract

Introduction: Canities is a scientific term used to describe the graying of hair. The graying of hair varies with age and ethnicity. Aging of hair occurs due to reduced melanin synthesis by the pigment producing cell melanocytes. Premature canities are becoming increasingly common. However, the etiology of premature canities remains unknown. Hence this study aimed to determine the prevalence of premature canities and its association with family history. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry of the students studying in ACS Medical College and Hospital from June 2018 to June 2019. Students aged less than 25 years participated in this present study. Results: Totally 519 volunteers 179 subjects had premature canities. The prevalence of Premature canities was 34.5%. It was more prevalent among females (n=97) 54% compared to males (n=82) 46%. Early onset of hair graying occurred in subjects with family history of gray hair. Among them 49 % of the subjects had family history of premature canities predominantly maternal family history (33%).