Health‐related quality of life of adult and adolescent patients living with alopecia areata in Australia

Abstract Introduction To understand the experiences of adolescent and adult patients living with alopecia areata (AA) in Australia regarding symptom severity and the impact on psychosocial well‐being and work/classroom productivity. Materials and Methods A cross‐sectional online patient survey among adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with AA was recruited via the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation. Patient‐reported outcomes were also assessed. Results A total of 337 patients (49 adolescents; 288 adults), with a mean ± standard deviation age of 14.7 ± 1.55 and 38.9 ± 13.31 years for adolescents and adults, respectively, were included. In the group with extensive hair loss (Scalp Hair Assessment Patient‐Reported Outcome, categories 3 + 4, n = 172), we observed higher emotional symptom and activity limitation scores (Alopecia Areata Patient Priority Outcomes, emotional symptoms: adults 2.5 ± 1.03, adolescents 2.2 ± 1.15; activity limitations: adults 1.4 ± 1.15, adolescents 1.2 ± 0.99). Additionally, in adults, the Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale global score was 4.0 ± 2.10 (symptoms subscale score 4.1 ± 1.91; interference subscale scores 3.8 ± 2.73). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores were high across participants, irrespective of hair loss extent (adults: anxiety 9.2 ± 3.85, depression 6.6 ± 3.95; adolescents: anxiety 9.7 ± 4.65, depression 5.2 ± 3.59). Work and classroom productivity were substantially impaired due to AA, with 70.5% of adults and 57.1% of adolescents reporting activity impairment, and overall work/classroom impairment reported at 39.2% and 44.9%, respectively. Conclusions AA impacts the physical, emotional and psychosocial well‐being of both adult and adolescent patients. More extensive hair loss more profoundly impacts those living with AA. Patients may benefit from patient‐centred care approaches addressing the impact of hair loss on mental and emotional well‐being, daily activities and work productivity.