Attitudes and practices of dermatologists and primary care physicians who treat patients for MPHL: results of a survey

Abstract

Objectives:

The study’s objectives were (a) to characterize physicians’ attitudes and practices in relation to treating male pattern hair loss (MPHL), (b) to examine differences vis-à-vis physician distinctions, and (c) to consider the findings in relation to published research on MPHL patients’ treatment-seeking experiences.

Methods:

The online survey across six countries (United States, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, and Korea) involved 466 physicians (263 dermatologists and 203 primary care physicians [PCPs]) who at least occasionally treat patients for MPHL.

Results:

Over 50% of physicians were cognizant of patients’ concerns and the impact of hair loss on patients’ quality of life. Moreover, 65% were comfortable talking about MPHL with patients, and 62% were comfortable recommending treatment. On the other hand, about one-third of surveyed physicians were not especially comfortable assessing and treating MPHL. Relative to PCPs, dermatologists reported a significantly greater likelihood of spending time answering questions about MPHL and treatments (89 vs. 74%, p < 0.001), providing informational materials or brochures about MPHL (58 vs. 28%, p < 0.001), and letting the patient know that he/she frequently treats MPHL (40 vs. 28%, p < 0.006). Similar significant differences were evident in comparisons of frequent and non-frequent treaters. The primary goal physicians set for patients was prevention of additional hair loss (79%); secondary goals included preventing additional hair thinning/loss with potential for re-growth (65%) and informing patients they would see visible results within a year (63%). Study limitations include a lack of verification that physicians’ responses reflect their actual clinical practice and the possibility that physicians enrolled in a research database do not represent the general physician population.

Conclusions:

In contrast to physicians less experienced with MPHL treatment, dermatologists and other physicians frequently treating MPHL have attitudes and practices that may foster a favorable context for MPHL patient care.

Key words::

• Androgenetic alopecia
• Male pattern hair loss
• MPHL treatment
• Physicians’ attitudes
• Physicians’ practices

Transparency

Declaration of funding

Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA provided funding for this research and manuscript.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

As an independent research consultant, T.F.C. received a consulting fee from Merck for his work on this paper (i.e., writing, data analysis, and interpretation). He has no competing interests to declare. Financial support was provided to Harris Interactive to develop and field the survey questionnaire and to tabulate the initial survey results.

Acknowledgment

The author thanks Jan S. Redfern, PhD, Redfern Strategic Medical Communications, Inc., Goshen, NY, USA for her assistance in preparing this manuscript for publication, which was funded by Merck.