Impact of Alopecia Areata on Major Life-changing Decisions: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Alopecia areata is a prevalent autoimmune condition causing non-scarring alopecia, with significant impacts on quality of life. However, the long-term effects on major life-changing decisions remain understudied. A cross-sectional study was performed including patients with alopecia areata who attended the Dermatology Department of the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires to assess the impact of alopecia areata on major life-changing decisions and quality of life. A total of 70 patients were included: 71% were female and 29% were male. The mean age was 38.70 (SD 14.32). The most affected major life-changing decisions were couple relationships and dressing; followed by job performance, social relationships, lifestyle changes, and sports practice. Female gender, higher therapeutic burden, or Dermatology Life Quality Index scores, and lower World Health Organization Five Well Being Index rating were significantly associated with greater major life-changing decisions impairment (p < 0.05). Disease severity and duration did not correlate with increased impact in most major life-changing decisions (p > 0.10). In conclusion, there are some major life-changing decisions that appear to be significantly affected in patients with alopecia areata. The identification of factors associated such us female gender, therapeutic burden, or alterations in mental well-being is crucial to explore and limit the long-term negative effects of the disease.