Knowledge, Beliefs, and Perceptions among Alopecia Areata Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in CMH Kharian: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Perceptions among Alopecia Areata Patients

Sundus Shafi; Azhar Husain Minhas; Farah Mahboob; Amara Sarwar; Warda Nazar; Maryam Batool

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v7i5.3733

Authors

Sundus Shafi Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, Pakistan
Azhar Husain Minhas Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, Pakistan
Farah Mahboob Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, Pakistan
Amara Sarwar Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, Pakistan
Warda Nazar Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, Pakistan
Maryam Batool Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i5.3733

Keywords:

Alopecia Areata, Patient Perceptions, Psychological Impact, Health Education

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition, which is associated with hair loss that has a strong negative effect on the psychological and social well-being of patients. Objective: To determine the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of the patients with Alopecia Areata at CMH Kharian. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out in 84 patients with alopecia areata. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, medical history, information on AA, beliefs, perceptions, coping strategies, and expectations of treatment. Associations between variables were determined using statistical procedures such as chi-square tests. Results: The mean age was 30.5 ± 11.4 years having females (59.5%) dominant. The main bulk, 45.2% of the patients, presented with symptoms of alopecia for less than one year. The majority of the patients (78.6%) were already aware of AA before being diagnosed. A large percentage of them considered that AA was hereditary (59.5%) and that stress was a contributing factor (73.8%). Chi-square tests showed significant relationships between educational level and the assumptions concerning the hereditary nature of AA (p=0.037) and perceived seriousness or effects on daily life (p = 0.008). Fifty-six (66.7%) patients agreed that the treatment had affected mental health, and half 42 (50.0%) of the patients had a view that with treatment, they would get complete hair regrowth. Conclusions: Comprehensive medical and psychosocial support techniques are essential in order to improve the quality of life for patients and address the psychosocial aspects related to alopecia areata.

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