Predictors of Quality of Life in Patients with Alopecia Areata.

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Abstract

Although alopecia areata (AA) severity is often defined by the degree of scalp hair loss, its impact on quality of life (QoL) can also be a defining measure of severity. In this cross-sectional study (AA Disease Specific Program [AA DSP]), 259 patients were surveyed for demographics, AA illness characteristics, QoL (Skindex-16 AA), and daily impairment (Work Productivity Activity Impairment [WPAI]). The association between patient demographic and illness variables, the Skindex-16 AA scores, and the WPAI scores were analyzed using regression analyses. Mean age of patients was 39 years (51% female). Self-reported severity of current AA was rated as mild (21%), moderate (54%), and severe (25%). Highest impairment was observed for the Skindex-16 AA Emotions and the WPAI daily activity performance scores. Although the degree of scalp hair loss (Physician Severity of Alopecia Tool [SALT] score) was not predictive of QoL, patients' self-report of moderate or severe disease, gender (females more impacted), and eyebrow and eyelash involvement were consistently, and incrementally, predictors of diminished QoL. The present results suggest patient's perception of severity as well as the presence of eyelash and eyebrow hair loss are also impactful and should be considered in defining severity of disease.

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