A recent study explored how stigma affects healthcare interaction (HCI) among people with alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune condition that causes unpredictable hair loss. A cross-sectional survey of 500 members of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation revealed that individuals experiencing higher levels of stigma were significantly less likely to engage with the healthcare system. This association remained even after controlling for demographics and clinical characteristics. Participants in the high-stigma group were over twice as likely to report low healthcare interaction, despite being mostly white, female, insured, and financially well-off, indicating the effect of stigma transcends typical barriers like access or income.
The findings suggest a dose-dependent relationship between stigma and healthcare avoidance. Participants reporting higher stigma also tended to have more severe AA and co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Despite the sample’s limited diversity, the trend was consistent across racial and socioeconomic subgroups. This underscores stigma as a significant, independent barrier to care, potentially limiting access to effective treatment and support. The study highlights the need for stigma-reduction interventions and improved patient support strategies to enhance healthcare engagement in this population.
Reference: Biba U, Gregoire S, Sanchez K, et al. The Relationship between Stigma and Healthcare Interaction in Alopecia Areata. Skin Appendage Disord. 2025 May 8:1-7. doi: 10.1159/000546216. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40487844; PMCID: PMC12140644.
