Influence of Predictors of Hair Loss Among Medical Students in Manas City, Kyrgyzstan:A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63666/ejsmr.1694-9013.4.I.2026.102Keywords:
hair loss, alopecia, medical student, water quality, stress, predictorsAbstract
Background: Hair loss (alopecia) is a multifactorial condition influenced by genetic, hormonal, nutritional, psychological, and environmental factors. Medical students represent a particularly vulnerable population due to prolonged academic stress, sleep deprivation, dietary irregularities, and, in the context of international medical programs, exposure to new environmental conditions including changes in water quality.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and self-perceived predictors of hair loss among medical students in Manas City, Kyrgyzstan, and to examine the impact of hair loss on students' self-confidence and health-seeking behavior.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to November 15 among 582 voluntarily participating medical students in Manas City, using an online, self-administered Google Form questionnaire encompassing both open- and closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize all variables.
Results: The majority of respondents were aged 17–22 years (80.5%), and females predominated (67.35%, n=392). Water quality was identified as the primary perceived trigger (68.56%) and main cause (65.1%) of hair loss, far exceeding stress (10.82%), diet (10.65%), and poor hair care (7.04%). Approximately 300 students first noticed hair loss within days of arrival in Manas City, supporting an environmental onset. Hair loss adversely affected self-confidence in 74.2% of respondents, yet only 13.9% sought professional consultation.
Conclusion: Hair loss is prevalent among medical students in Manas City and is predominantly attributed to local water quality, representing a distinctive environmental predictor not prominently featured in comparable international studies. Comprehensive interventions encompassing water quality assessment, stress management programs, nutritional support, and dermatological access are urgently recommended.
References
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