Abstract:

Objective To estimate the prevalence of alopecia areata in mainland China by a survey of multi-regional populations. Methods A community-based survey was conducted in 6 cities from 6 provinces in mainland China. Cluster sampling method was used. Subjects were required to fulfill a self-reported questionnaire and to receive physical examination by dermatologists. EpiData and SPSS 10.0 analysis system were used for statistical analysis. Results Totally, 19 974 questionnaires were delivered, and 17 345 valid questionnaires were returned with the response rate being 86.84%. Alopecia areata was diagnosed in 47 subjects in total, yielding a prevalence of 0.27% and standardized prevalence of 0.24%. In males, the prevalence of alopecia areata was 0.38%, which was significantly higher than that in females （0.18%） （χ2 = 6.53, P < 0.05）. Of these 47 patients, 33 （70.21%） had less than 1/3 scalp involvement, 14 （29.79%） more than 1/3 scalp involvement, 1 （2.13%） alopecia totalis, and 1 （2.13%） alopecia universalis. Family history was found in 4 （8.51%） patients. The prevalence of alopecia areata was 0.45% （12/2680） in Taiyuan，0.33% （9/2756） in Xichang， 0.28% （10/3597） in Langfang，0.22% （6/2721） in Jiaozuo, 0.17% （5/3000） in Zibo and 0.19% （5/2591） in Hailaer. There was no statistical difference between these regions （P > 0.05）. Conclusion Based on this survey, the overall prevalence of alopecia areata is 0.27% in the 6 Chinese cities. Also, men have a higher prevalence of alopecia areata than women do.