F25 FROM CONSULTATION TO COMPLIANCE: FACTORS AFFECTING ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT FOR FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS
Collins F, Biondo S, Sinclair R
Monash University, Melbourne, Australia and The University of Melbourne, Australia

Background: By age 30, around 20% of women will experience female pattern hair loss. This rate increases to 50% of women aged 60 and over. Hair loss can be devastating for women, often affecting their self-esteem, relationships, confidence, medical treatments and general quality of life. Objectives: This paper explores the complex factors affecting women's adherence to medical treatment for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) with a particular emphasis on the use of topical minoxidil. Methods: These factors were identified within the context of the Halo Program, a psycho-educational group intervention designed to address the psychological, quality of life and treatment compliance issues associated with FPHL. Results: Factors found to be barriers to treatment compliance include: initial shock and depression in the months following diagnosis; the dearth of reliable and patient-friendly information regarding the nature, course and treatment of FPHL; fear regarding the unwanted side effects of treatment and the impact of treatment on patients' appearance and lifestyle. Conclusion: For many women, their doctor is not aware of their ambivalence toward treatment as the influencing factors are often highly personal or emotional in content and the standard consultation does provide the 'space' for women to express their concerns. In response to these findings, the authors provide suggestions regarding practical and clinically supported approaches to treatment which are acceptable to women, reduce resistance to treatment and, thus, improve women's treatment compliance.