Date of Award

3-25-2008

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Medical Doctor (MD)

First Advisor

Antoni Jacek Duleba

Abstract

This study was to determine if there exists a difference in the rate of hirsutism in genetically similar women in two different environments. 112 Nigerian women living in the U.S.A and 70 women living in Nigeria were surveyed. All women completed a pictorial survey scoring peripheral hair growth in 6 body areas from 0 (no significant hair growth) to 4 (severe hair growth). Total hirsutism score was calculated as a sum of individual scores. The survey also included demographic data, menstrual history, and data regarding use of hormonal treatments. Statistical comparisons between groups included t-test, nonparametric tests and chi-square test. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to identify independent predictors of peripheral hair growth. Women residing in U.S.A had a 31% higher total hirsutism score than those residing in Nigeria. This difference was not related to irregular menstrual cycle. To account for possible effects of age, B.M.I and differences in tribal origin, multiple regression analysis was performed. Location (living in U.S.A vs. Nigeria) remained the strongest predictor of total hirsutism score (P=0.02); tribal origin was also significant (P=0.04), while age and B.M.I had no independent predictive value (P>0.1). It was concluded that this difference, is not explained by factors such as age, obesity and ethnic origin. We propose that this difference may be due to differences in environmental or lifestyle factors of the women.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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