PREVALENCE OF HAIR LOSS AND STRESS AS THE CAUSE; A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: Limited research has been undertaken on the Prevalence of hair lossand its relationship to stress in Pakistan. This cross-sectional study attempts at knowing the prevalence of hair loss among general population and to determine the relationship between stress and hair loss. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. A randomized sample of both male and female of all ages from different communities were offered to participate in the study. All the participants were assessed for level of stress using 14-item Sheldon Cohen ‘Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14)’ and tested by ‘Hair Pull Test’ for hair loss. PSS scores for low stress were set ranging from 0-18, scores ranging from 19-36 wereconsidered moderate stress and scores ranging from 37-56 corresponded to high stress. Results: A total of 456 individuals were invited and 424 [including both male (236) and female (188)] of them participated in the study, with a response rate of 92.9%. As per study criteria, the results of stress test showed that 67 (15.8%) individuals had low stress, 279 (65.8%) had moderate stress while 78 (18.3%) had high stress. A total of 42 (9.9%) individuals fulfilled the criteria of excessive hair loss (more prevalent among males in general; 30 out of 236 males (12.7%):(6.3%) 12 out of 188 females). In Males, hair loss was seen in 7.5% individuals with low stress, 9.8% individuals with moderate stress and 32% individuals with high stress. While in Females, hair loss was seen in 3.7% individuals with low stress, 5.9% individuals with moderate stress and 9.0% individuals with high stress). Conclusion:Hair loss is more prevalent in the male population (males show 2 times more hair loss than females) and there is a strong relationship between stress and hair loss.