Study to assess the association between screen time, other life style factors and hair fall
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20262844Keywords:
Cross-sectional study, Dermatology, Hair fall, Lifestyle factors, Screen time, Stress, Young adultsAbstract
Background: Hair fall is one of the most common cosmetic concerns among young adults and is influenced by genetic, environmental, nutritional, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. With the rapid increase in digital device usage, screen time has emerged as a potential lifestyle factor affecting overall health. The present study aimed to assess the association between screen time, sleep duration, stress levels, and hair fall among young adults.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 300 young adults aged 15-25 years. Data regarding demographic characteristics, average daily screen time, sleep duration, perceived stress, family history of hair fall, medical conditions affecting hair, and hair fall characteristics were collected using a structured online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Associations between lifestyle factors and hair fall were assessed using Chi-square tests. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 300 participants, 57.3% belonged to the age group of 21-25 years and 66.3% were females. Increased hair fall during the preceding six months was reported by 65.3% of participants. Significant associations were observed between screen time and increased hair fall (χ2=10.624, p=0.014), screen time and hair fall severity (χ2=15.377, p=0.018), and stress levels and increased hair fall (χ2=11.793, p=0.019). No significant association was found between sleep duration and increased hair fall (χ2=3.028, p=0.387).
Conclusions: Higher screen time and elevated stress levels were significantly associated with self-reported hair fall among young adults. These findings highlight the importance of lifestyle modification and stress management in maintaining hair health.
References
Malkud S. Telogen effluvium: a review. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015;9(9):WE01-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2015/15219.6492
Gupta MA, Gupta AK. Stress and skin disease. Dermatol Clin. 2014;32(3):339-47.
Asghar F, Shamim N, Farooque U, Sheikh H, Aqeel R. Telogen effluvium: a review of the literature. Cureus. 2020;12:e8320. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.8320
Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss. Dermatol Ther. 2019;9(1):51-70. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. Hair diseases in adolescents and young adults. Dermatol Res Pract. 2019;2019:1-10.
Harrison S, Sinclair R. Telogen effluvium. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002;27:389-95. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2230.2002.01080.x
Rossi A, Muscianese M, Caro G. Multifactorial nature of hair loss. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20:1485-94.
Stough D, Stenn K, Haber R, Parsley WM, Vogel JE. Psychological effect of hair loss. Dermatol Ther. 2020;33:e13250.
Alkhalifah A. Alopecia and quality of life. Int J Dermatol. 2011;50:1175-81.
Messenger AG, McKillop J. Disorders of hair growth. Clin Med. 2018;18(4):305-10.
Lee S, Lee HJ, Kim J. Sleep quality and dermatological disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2020;53:101337. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101337
Wang X, Li Y, Fan H, Wang Y. Digital device use and health outcomes. BMC Public Health. 2021;21:1234. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10407-6
Twenge JM, Campbell WK. Media use and mental health among young adults. Prev Med Rep. 2019;14:100852.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to treat hair loss, 2026. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hairloss/treatment. Accessed on 01 June 2026.
Sinclair R. Diffuse hair loss in women. Med J Aust. 2015;203:336-9.
Shanshanwal SJ, Dhurat RS. Hair disorders and lifestyle factors. Int J Trichology. 2018;10:247-52.
Sehgal VN, Srivastava G. Hair disorders in young adults. Int J Trichol. 2017;9:1-7.
WHO. Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!): second edition: guidance to support country implementation, 2026. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications89240081765/. Accessed on 01 June 2026.