Factors Related to Premature Canities; A Cross-sectional Study in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background: Canities, or graying or whitening hair, is a natural part of aging caused by reduced melanin production. Premature canities occur in humans or animals at a young age, with factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences contributing. The study aims to evaluate the relationship between ABO Blood type, rhesus Factor, Genotype, Lifestyle, and Premature canities.

Methods: 259 respondents were involved and a cross-sectional descriptive study design was used to generate data. The respondents were selected using a multi-stage random sampling techniques and data collection was via descriptive questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.

Results: A study of 259 participants found no significant association between premature canities and ABO blood type, rhesus, and genotype while lifestyle factors like smoking, and alcohol intake showed an association. Canities were found in various head regions, with no differences between sexes. Smoking and alcohol intake were more common in males. Depression was negatively associated with non-premature and premature canities. Nutrition intake was similar, but high carbohydrate and vegetable consumption was found to be statistically different.

Conclusion: No association between ABO blood type, rhesus factor, genotype with premature canities, and lifestyle (alcohol intake and smoking) showed possible association with premature canities.