Patient-Reported Treatment Satisfaction in Lichen Planopilaris: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication Publisher

Summary: What affects satisfaction with hair-loss treatment? A patient survey linked more active lichen planopilaris to lower satisfaction, with variation across medicines. #Dermatology #PatientCare

Ghiasi M ; Roozrokh S ; Fallah M ; Lajevardi V ; Nasimi M ; Sadeghi Y
Source: Acta Cytologica Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess treatment satisfaction among adults with lichen planopilaris (LPP) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication version 2 (TSQM v2) and examine associations with treatment regimen, disease activity, and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). Methods: This cross-sectional study with prospective data collection included adults with dermatologist-confirmed LPP receiving a stable regimen for at least 4 months at a tertiary dermatology referral hospital in Tehran, Iran, during 2023–2024. Participants completed the validated Persian TSQM v2. Medication type, Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index (LPPAI), and FFA status were recorded. Analyses used nonparametric tests, Spearman’s rho, and multivariable linear regression with robust standard errors. Results: Ninety-seven patients were included; mean age was 45.9 ± 10.2 years and 62.9% were female. Treatment satisfaction was moderate, with highest scores in the side effects domain. TSQM scores differed across medication groups for side effects, convenience, global satisfaction, and total score. FFA was associated with lower global satisfaction. In adjusted analysis, baricitinib was associated with higher total TSQM, whereas higher LPPAI was independently associated with lower satisfaction. Conclusion: Treatment satisfaction in LPP was heterogeneous and lower with greater disease activity, supporting integration of patient-reported outcomes into individualized management. © Crown copyright 2026.