Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Dermatology
Date Submitted: May 31, 2025
Date Accepted: Jul 12, 2026
Date Submitted to PubMed: Jul 14, 2026
Findings From Alopecia Areata Social Media Platforms Listening Study Across Five Arabian Countries
ABSTRACT
Background:
This study evaluates the understanding and awareness of alopecia areata (AA) in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based on AA-related mentions and searches on the internet.
Objective:
Despite its prevalence, AA is often misunderstood particularly in the Middle East. By examining the data from social media platforms, online forums, and searches on the internet, the study gives insights into the regional AA perceptions and awareness in these five Gulf countries.
Methods:
Online discussions in English and Arabic mentioning AA and related terms were analysed from the five countries between January 2022 and April 2023.
Results:
The analysis of over 8,500 mentions of AA over 16 months revealed significant online engagement, especially from the UAE. Educational content dominated the discussions, with a notable increase following the Oscars incident in April 2022. Gulf news platforms and X (formerly known as Twitter) were the primary discussion platforms, with healthcare professionals mainly using English and patients using both English and Arabic. Common contributors to AA, emotional distress, and the AA patient journey were frequently highlighted.
Conclusions:
The study identifies gaps in awareness and understanding of AA among patients, healthcare professionals, and medical facilities in the Gulf region through online discussions and search patterns. These insights can facilitate the development of targeted educational initiatives, support strategies, improve awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance support networks for those affected by AA.
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Copyright
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