Quality of life in men treated for androgenetic alopecia via a virtual healthcare platform: a retrospective cohort study

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common chronic condition significantly impacting quality of life (QoL), but few studies have explored treatment outcomes in real-world digital health settings. The objective of this is study is to evaluate the effects of AGA treatment delivered through a virtual healthcare platform on patient-reported QoL outcomes over six months, and identify factors associated with magnitude of improvement. Methods We undertook a before-and-after cohort study using prospectively collected data from men enrolled on a digital AGA service in Brazil. QoL was assessed using a 16-item hair-specific questionnaire at baseline and six months. Multivariable linear regression explored associations between QoL change and variables including baseline QoL score, age, adherence (defined as continuous prescription renewals within the programme), and medication potency. Results The mean total QoL score improved from 73.07 to 60.78, yielding a mean change of − 12.29 points (95% CI − 14.44 to − 10.14; p < 0.001; lower scores denote better QoL). Adherence was the strongest predictor of improvement: participants who maintained full engagement with the programme achieved a mean QoL gain roughly double that of those with interrupted engagement (p < 0.001). Lower baseline QoL and older age were also associated with greater improvements (p = 0.040), whereas medication potency was not. Conclusions Treatment of AGA via a fully digital care model was associated with significant, clinically meaningful improvements in hair‑loss‑related QoL. The magnitude of the benefit depended heavily on sustained engagement with the programme, underscoring the role of digital adherence strategies in maximising patient outcomes.