Inha University professor Choi wins award for hair loss research

Inha University Hospital announced on Tuesday that Professor Choi Kwang-seong of the Department of Dermatology has been awarded the 35th Science and Technology Outstanding Paper Award.

The award is presented by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KOFST) to researchers who have been recognized for their excellence through in-depth evaluation of domestic papers published in the previous year. It is given to scientists and engineers who have made creative research achievements in five fields: science, engineering, agriculture and fisheries, health, and general.

Choi's winning paper, “A Study of Quality of Life and Psychosocial Impact in Patients with Female Pattern Alopecia,” was published in the February 2023 issue of the Annals of Dermatology, which highlighted the emotional distress and changes in daily life experienced by patients with female pattern baldness.

The study conducted an in-depth survey of 202 female patients aged 13 and older and found that, depending on the severity of the disease, patients suffer from a variety of psychosocial effects, including decreased quality of life, depression, and increased medical expenses.

“Through this study, we could specifically identify the various impacts of female pattern baldness on patients' lives,” Professor Choi said. “We once again realized the importance of holistic treatment, including not only medication but also emotional support, and we will continue to conduct meaningful research to improve the quality of life of patients with hair loss.”