Abstract
BackgroundAlopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that is characterised by non-scarring hair loss. Its aesthetic repercussions can lead to profound changes in psychological well-being. Although physical activity (PA) has been associated with better mental health outcomes in diverse populations, the association in individuals with AA has not been established. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between PA and mental health outcomes in individuals with AA to inform intervention strategies for this specific population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals who were diagnosed with AA. A total of 83 respondents aged (40.95 ± 13.24 years) completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Three-way contingency Chi-square analyses were used to determine the associations between PA, mental health outcomes and participants with hair loss of more than 50% on the scalp.Results81.9% of the participants did not meet PA guidelines. Participants with hair loss of more than 50% on the scalp, and who did not meet PA guidelines, were significantly more likely to experience symptoms of severe depression (p = .003), moderate anxiety (p = .04) and mild stress (p = .003) than those who met guidelinesConclusionFindings suggest that increased PA participation in AA individuals with severe hair loss is associated with improved mental health status. Intervention efforts for this specific population should consider barriers and enablers to PA participation as they face challenges that differ from the general population.
Highlights
Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that is characterised by non-scarring hair loss
Mental health in individuals with AA has been studied [2] and findings suggest that individuals with AA experience high levels of anxiety, depression and stress in comparison with control populations [3, 4]
A systematic review of epidemiology and burden of AA, examining worldwide incidence and prevalence of AA, indicated that individuals diagnosed with AA often consider their hair loss to be a serious problem, subsequently leading to distress and negatively impacting their quality of life and mental
Summary
Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that is characterised by non-scarring hair loss. Gilhar and Kalis (2006) suggest that this could be due to the condition being characterised by the appearance of patches of non-scarring hair loss, which may occur in AA is not life-threatening, the aesthetic outcomes of this condition may affect mental health in these individuals [6]. A systematic review of epidemiology and burden of AA, examining worldwide incidence and prevalence of AA, indicated that individuals diagnosed with AA often consider their hair loss to be a serious problem, subsequently leading to distress and negatively impacting their quality of life and mental (2019) 7:48 health [9]. Psychological support such as psychotherapy was an important part of disease management, as AA can result in psychological burden [9]
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