BH07 The socioeconomic burden of alopecia areata

Abstract

Abstract It is widely acknowledged that alopecia areata (AA) can have a significant impact on psychosocial wellbeing and daily functioning. Individuals with AA often seek treatments or products to promote hair regrowth or use strategies to conceal their hair loss, which results in a financial cost to the individual. The current study aimed to examine the socioeconomic burden of AA, to understand the wider impact of the condition. A total of 829 UK-based participants completed an online survey. Demographic and condition-specific data were collected, alongside spending on AA-related products and services over the preceding year, and AA-associated work absenteeism and presenteeism. Participants predominantly identified as female (85.9%) and White (92.7%), with a mean age of 42.7 years and median duration of AA of 10.94 years. The median expense on AA-related products and services over the preceding year was £840. Wigs incurred the greatest cost to individuals (median £700). Although accessed by approximately 10% of participants, private dermatology and mental health services also incurred significant costs, when used. Over half of the sample also reported that the products and services they used made their quality of life a little or much better. Using hierarchical regression analysis, sex and AA symptoms uniquely predicted higher financial burden, with females and those with more severe AA spending a greater proportion of their disposable income on AA-related products and services. Lower disposable income also predicted greater financial burden from spending. Regarding work absenteeism, 21% of participants reported being signed off work due to AA since their diagnosis, and over the preceding 7 days, 10.5% of those in employment (n = 525) reported missing > 1 h of work due to AA. Of 154 participants claiming work-related benefits, 33 said their reason for claiming was connected to their AA. The presenteeism findings suggest, on average, a minimal effect of AA on participants’ work productivity in the preceding 7 days, with those more recently diagnosed reporting lower productivity. The findings suggest that products/services to manage the aesthetic consequences of hair loss from AA are costly yet broadly valued by individuals. It is concerning that those with lower disposable income spent proportionately more on AA products and services, implying these individuals consider this spending as essential. The other risk factors identified in the findings also require consideration by health providers, commissioners and policymakers when designing services to support the wellbeing of people living with AA. Funding: this study was funded by Pfizer Inc.