Evaluation of Stigma Toward Individuals With Alopecia

The study surveyed 2,015 US adults to evaluate stigma toward individuals with alopecia using portraits with varying hair loss severity. It found that increased alopecia severity correlated with heightened negative stereotypes and social distance, particularly for complete hair loss. Sixty-six percent of respondents associated complete hair loss with a medical condition, compared to 10% for those without alopecia. Stigma varied by race and sex, with Black men facing the most significant social distance stigma. The study underscored the need for greater awareness of alopecia-related stigma, which was often underestimated, and suggested that recognizing alopecia as a medical condition and using medical treatments or wigs could reduce stigma. It also highlighted the importance of advocating for insurance coverage of hairpieces, despite limitations like potential sampling bias and hypothetical scenarios.