Delays in Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Diagnostic delays in alopecia areata (AA) are often preventable and may be compounded by factors that have not been fully elucidated. Our objective was to identify potential associations and to characterize diagnostic delay of AA that extends beyond 1 year. Methods: Patients with AA were recruited via online survey. A multivariable linear regression was performed to analyze diagnostic delay greater than 1 year while controlling for age, sex at birth, race, income, health insurance, and employment. A sensitivity analysis was performed to compare delays of over 9 months versus 1 year. Results: Regression analysis revealed associations between white race (OR 0.46, 95% CI [0.27–0.80], p = 0.006), annual income above the median of $75,000 (OR 0.56, 95% CI [0.32–0.99], p = 0.046), and having health insurance (OR 0.32, 95% CI [0.11–0.92], p = 0.034), with lower odds of diagnostic delay beyond 1 year. Sensitivity analysis indicated that these associations, except health insurance, held true even at 9-month thresholds. Conclusion: Limitations include survey demographics and cross-sectional design, limiting causal inference. Socioeconomic factors, including race, income, and insurance coverage, extend diagnostic delay in AA. Addressing disparities could improve timely diagnosis for AA, emphasizing the need for further investigation of healthcare barriers.
Source: Skin Appendage Disorders
DOI: 10.1159/000552679
Institutions: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, University of California, Los Angeles, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, National Alopecia Areata Foundation, Columbia University, University of California, Irvine
Language: English
Topic: Hair Growth and Disorders
Subfield: Urology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7162033620