[Prevalence of partially treated supralabial hirsutism in dictators].

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated whether heads of state commonly regarded as dictators have a higher prevalence of partially treated supralabial hirsutism (PTSLH), commonly called a moustache, than non-dictatorial states.

DESIGN

retrospective observational study.

SETTING

the world political arena from 1901 to 2000.

PARTICIPANTS

cohort of 139 dictators, 122 preceding political leaders in the respective countries, 122 succeeding political leaders also in the respective countries, as well as 76 Nobel peace prize laureates as controls.

INTERVENTIONS: none.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: the prevalence of PTSLH was 122 preceding political leaders.

RESULTS

Of 139 dictators 49 (35%) demonstrated photographic evidence of PTSLH, while 85 (61%) did not. Of 48 preceding leaders 22 (46%) had PTSLH (p = 0.18 compared to dictators); of 33 following leaders ten (30%) had PTSLH (p = 0.59 compared to dictators). Finally of 78 Nobel peace prize laureates 31 (40%) had PTSLH (p = 0.47 compared to dictators).

CONCLUSIONS

Most dictators did not have PTSLH. Moreover, the prevalence of PTSLH among dictators did not differ from controls. These data do not lend support to the commonly held notion that PTSLH is a predictor of a future dictatorial political career. Electorates the world over can now support political candidates with PTSLH without increased fear of becoming victims of a dictatorial system or having an increased risk of mortality after their ascent to power.