A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF HAIRLOSS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN KONASEEMA INSTITUTION OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Background: Hair loss is a common concern among medical students, often attributed to various physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. This study aims to assess the prevalence of hair loss and its associated factors among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 medical students. Data on demographic details, hair loss prevalence, potential causes, BMI, hemoglobin levels, stress levels, hair care practices, and water quality were collected and analyzed. Statistical associations were determined using chi-square tests. Results: The study found that 97.11% of participants experienced hair loss. The most commonly reported causes included academic stress (36.53%), dandruff (30.76%), and water and diet changes (20.19%). A signicant association was observed between stress and hair loss (p = 0.001), indicating stress as a key contributing factor. However, no signicant correlation was found between hair loss and BMI, hemoglobin levels, or type of water used for hair washing. Most participants (93.26%) relied on shampoos for hair loss treatment, while the use of other treatments such as vitamins and pills was minimal. Conclusion: The high prevalence of hair loss among medical students highlights the impact of stress and scalp health on hair conditions. While BMI and hemoglobin levels were not signicantly associated, managing stress and adopting appropriate hair care practices may help mitigate hair loss. Further research with larger sample sizes and controlled variables is recommended to explore preventive measures and treatment strategies.