Independent predictors of hair loss among medical students: a cross-sectional study using the sinclair hair shedding scale in a tertiary medical college in South India

Narayanan Namboothiri G.; Arya Ravindran; Athulya V. P.; Avanthika Divan; Ayisha Ahsana Unneen; Ayishath Thashreefa M.; Aysha Miya; Aziya Zeba; Basima M.; Bhavya Prakash

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20263736

Authors

Narayanan Namboothiri G. Department of Community Medicine, MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9889-0524
Arya Ravindran Department of Community Medicine, MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India
Athulya V. P. MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India
Avanthika Divan MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India
Ayisha Ahsana Unneen MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India
Ayishath Thashreefa M. MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India
Aysha Miya MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India
Aziya Zeba MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India
Basima M. MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India
Bhavya Prakash MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20263736

Keywords:

Hair loss, Medical students, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Predictors

Abstract

Background: Medical students are highly vulnerable to psychological distress due to demanding academic schedules, which can disrupt hair follicle homeostasis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hair loss among female medical students and identify its associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among female MBBS students at a tertiary care medical college in Kerala. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire incorporating the Sinclair Hair Shedding Scale to assess hair loss and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to evaluate psychological distress. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of excessive hair shedding.

Results: The prevalence of excessive hair shedding was 22.0%. Multivariable logistic regression identified severe to extremely severe stress as the strongest predictor of hair loss (AOR=4.06; 95% CI: 1.79-9.19). Other significant predictors included a positive family history of hair loss (AOR=3.69), being a final-year MBBS student (AOR=3.08), sleeping less than 6 hours per day (AOR=2.57), severe to extremely severe depression (AOR=2.74), severe to extremely severe anxiety (AOR=2.11) and hair care practices.

Conclusions: Excessive hair shedding is a prevalent and multifactorial condition among female medical students, influenced by a combination of psychological, genetic, lifestyle, and hair care factors. Medical colleges should incorporate regular mental health screening, sleep hygiene education, and awareness of appropriate hair care to reduce the risk of excessive hair shedding.

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