Prevalence and pattern of alopecia in secondary and tertiary institutions in Ibadan

Abstract

Background: Hair loss in African women appears to be on the increase and has been associated with some hair-care practices. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern, and possible hair-care factors associated with alopecia in females in some educational institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methodology: The respondents were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire containing information about their bio-data, hair-care practices, and history of hair loss if any. Subjects were examined for the presence and pattern of hair loss. Results: The prevalence of alopecia was 46.7%, with the traction alopecia being the most common (97.5%). The age range of those with alopecia was mainly 20-29 years. Hair loss was more common in subjects who had chemically treated their hair (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Alopecia is common among female students in secondary and tertiary institutions in Ibadan. Traction alopecia was the most common pattern of hair loss in this study supporting claims of hair-care practices as important etiological factors.