The Prevalence of Hair Loss and Its Association With Iron Deficiency Among Adolescents in Northern Sudan: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study

A study conducted in northern Sudan involving 312 adolescents (147 males and 165 females) found that 21.2% exhibited alopecia, with a significantly higher prevalence in females (93.9%) compared to males (6.1%). The research identified a strong association between iron deficiency and alopecia, as adolescents with alopecia had lower serum ferritin levels. The study concluded that iron deficiency is a key factor in adolescent alopecia, highlighting the need for nutritional monitoring, especially among females. Other factors like age, BMI, and parental education were not associated with alopecia.