Abstract
BACKGROUND: More comprehensive knowledge about alopecia may translate into better patient management. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward alopecia among patients with alopecia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with alopecia at Hebei Medical University Third Hospital between December 2023 and January 2024, using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Stress was analyzed using the perceived stress scale (PSS). Participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized pathways between demographic/clinical factors and KAP variables. RESULTS: A total of 615 participants initially completed the questionnaire, and 545 valid responses were retained, yielding an effective response rate of 88.62%. The mean PSS and KAP scores were 42.48 ± 5.31 (possible scores of 14-70; 60.69%), 11.29 ± 6.42 (possible scores of 0-28; 40.32%), 32.51 ± 3.82 (possible scores of 10-50; 65.02%), and 26.44 ± 6.07 (possible scores of 10-50; 72.88%), respectively. The SEM showed that knowledge was influenced by hair loss after COVID-19 (β=-0.023, P = 0.007), age (β=-0.068, P < 0.001), and taking medication that caused hair loss (β=-0.218, P < 0.001). Attitude was influenced by knowledge (β = 0.890, P < 0.001). The practice was influenced by knowledge (β = 0.661, P < 0.001), attitude (β = 0.638, P < 0.001), with a history of COVID-19 (β = 0.209, P = 0.039), polycystic ovary syndrome (β=-0.030, P = 0.013), and years of alopecia (β=-0.098, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with alopecia have poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and proactive practices toward alopecia, which was influenced by their age, COVID-19 infection, changes in hair loss after COVID-19, medications that cause hair loss, polycystic ovary syndrome, and years of alopecia. In addition, since knowledge influences attitude and practice, improving knowledge through educational activities should also improve practice, possibly translating into more benefits for patients. RUNNING TITLE: Patients' KAP toward alopecia.