Association of mental health outcomes and lower patient satisfaction among adults with alopecia: A cross-sectional population-based study.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have found the increasing use of patient satisfaction scores by patients and insurance payers. Less is known about how patient mental health affects health care satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between baseline mental health and health care satisfaction among adults with alopecia.

METHODS

We examined 543 adults with alopecia in the 2004-2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Mental health burden was assessed by the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ2). Patient satisfaction was determined using the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey.

RESULTS

Adults with versus without alopecia had higher rates of positive PHQ2 (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI], 1.37 [1.05-1.78]); positive K6 (1.57 [1.02-2.41]), and comorbid anxiety (1.85 [1.30-2.63]) and depression (1.68 [1.19-2.39]). Positive PHQ2 (2.15 [1.13, 4.11]) and positive K6 (6.04 [2.60, 14.05]) were associated with low patient satisfaction. Whereas, there were no differences in the rates of low patient satisfaction associated with comorbid anxiety (0.74 [0.33-1.67]) and depression (1.42 [0.72-2.78]).

LIMITATIONS: Data are unavailable on alopecia areata phenotypes and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with alopecia and greater mental health symptoms report lower patient satisfaction. Clinicians may wish to adapt their communication style to support these patients and improve overall health care satisfaction.