Findings From Alopecia Areata Social Media Platforms Listening Study Across Five Arabian Countries.

StudyJMIR dermatology· Jul 2026

Findings From Alopecia Areata Social Media Platforms Listening Study Across Five Arabian Countries.

Ashraf Reda, Ghadear Al Alawi, Ameen Al Awadhi … Haytham Mohamed Ahmed

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Alopecia areata generated over 8,500 online mentions across five Gulf countries in 16 months.

Findings From Alopecia Areata Social Media Platforms Listening Study Across Five Arabian Countries.

Ashraf Reda … Haytham Mohamed Ahmed

JMIR dermatology · Jul 2026 · Q2 in Dermatology

Background

This study evaluates the understanding and awareness of alopecia areata (areata) in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (United Arab Emirates) based on areata related mentions and searches on the internet.

Purpose

Despite its prevalence, areata is often misunderstood particularly in the Middle East.

Methods

Online discussions in English and Arabic mentioning areata and related terms were analysed from the five countries between January 2022 and April 2023.

n = over 8,500 mentions

8,500

Results

8,500

mentions

over 8,500 posts show alopecia areata is a major topic of online discussion

n = over 8,500 mentions

More results

Educational content dominated the discussions, with a notable increase following the Oscars incident in April 2022.

Common contributors to areata, emotional distress, and the areata patient journey were frequently highlighted.

“

Conclusion · 1 of 2

The study identifies gaps in awareness and understanding of areata among patients, healthcare professionals, and medical facilities in the Gulf region through online discussions and search patterns.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

These insights can facilitate the development of targeted educational initiatives, support strategies, improve awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance support networks for those affected by areata.

Findings From Alopecia Areata Social Media Platforms Listening Study Across Five Arabian Countries.

Findings From Alopecia Areata Social Media Platforms Listening Study Across Five Arabian Countries.

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