The study is investigating the socio-economic burden of Alopecia Areata (AA) on adolescents, adults, and their caregivers/partners. This analysis will be used to generate Quality-Adjusted Life Years, a quantitative measure for how patient’s lives are impacted, which may facilitate assessments for the TGA and potential reimbursement through the PBS by detailing cost-effectiveness of AA treatment. Information about caregiver/partner impact can be used as evidence that the burden of AA extends to the caregiver/partner.

 

Sinclair Dermatology are looking to recruit both adolescents aged 13-17 and adults 18+. Participants will be asked to fill out an expression of interest form online to register your interest. If eligible, you will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires/surveys. Participants will be reimbursed $30. Those that complete the questionnaires will be invited to take part in a structured 30-45 min long interview conducted by a medical doctor. The interview covers loss of time from employment/education and cost of treatment/concealment. Participants will be reimbursed $50 for taking part in the interview. Caregivers/partners will also be invited to partake in one questionnaire and the interview, although this is not mandatory for participation in the study.

 

QALYs and the financial loss-of-earnings information acquired in the interview allows the study, and hopefully the government, to compare the value of paying for AA treatment to the value of paying for other treatments. By comparing the QALY of different conditions, it outlines the ‘reward’ of resource allocation to AA explicitly. We all know AA has an impact on quality of life, but the financial impact is less well substantiated.

 

Inclusion/exclusion criteria for this study is less strict than for other studies. Participants must have AA/AT/AU, be over the age of 13, be an Australian resident, and have been diagnosed at least 6 months ago. Participants will not be eligible if they have other types of alopecia (pattern hair loss, FFA, etc) or have a comorbid psychiatric disorder that they do not think is related to their AA. If the participant believes that their psychiatric disorder is due to or related to alopecia, they are still eligible for the study.

 

If you want any further information about the study or your involvement in the study, you can contact Dr Huw Rees on (03) 9013 0099 or research@sinclairdermatology.com.au