Factors associated with traction alopecia in women living in Yaoundé (Cameroon).

BACKGROUND: Traction alopecia (TA) is very common in Africa but few studies on African population are available. We sought to determine factors associated with TA and measure the association between these factors and TA. METHODS: We carried out an analytical cross-sectional study in 29 hairdressing saloons in the city of Yaoundé. A questionnaire was administered and scalp exams were performed in order to look for TA and determine Marginal TA severity score if present. Participants were separated in two groups: TA group and a group without TA. RESULTS: We finally included 223 women (77 having TA and 146 without TA). The median age was 26 years for women with TA and 24 years for women without TA. The factors associated with traction alopecia we found included: age ≥ 35 years (adjusted OR = 4; p = 0.016). Hairdressing undertaken by hairdressers only (adjusted OR = 0.2; p = 0.008), the avoidance of the regular use of nets, caps and head ties (OR = 0.2; p = 0.006) and relaxing hairs once a year or less (adjusted OR = 0.2; p = 0.005) could be protective factors. As well, we found a positive correlation between age and TA severity (r = 0.235; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Age and some haircare practices are associated to TA occurrence in our context. Women therefore need to be educated on these various factors that could be able to cause, worsen or prevent TA.

Hair care and epidemiological-clinical profile of traction alopecia among women in hair salons in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Background: Hair is valued by all individuals especially women. The perception of beauty is specific to everyone. In order to fulfil their ideal beauty, women use various methods to modify their hair's appearance. Afro hair is particularly fragile, so using these methods can be particularly deleterious for black women's hair. Objectives: Describe hair care practices of women living in Yaoundé, determine the prevalence of traction alopecia (TA) and describe its clinical profile. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in hairdressing saloon in Yaoundé. A questionnaire was administered and scalp exams were performed to determine Marginal TA severity score. Results: We included 223 women with a mean age of 24.9 ± 7 years. The prevalence of TA was 34.5%. Mild and moderate stages were most represented. As far as haircare is concerned, extensions were regularly used by 95.1% of participants. Wigs were regularly worn by 58.7% of participants. Chemical hair straightening was done by 87.9% of women and was performed twice to thrice a year by 43.9%. Almost 76% of women used hair straightener and hair dryer. Hair washing was done monthly by 43.8% of participants and the main cosmetic used was shampoo (75.3%). Conclusion: Traction alopecia is a very common disease in women living in Yaoundé. Extensions, wigs and shampooing are their main hair care practices.