Predictors of Acne Vulgaris among Adolescents in Kuwait

Abstract

Objectives: The prevalence of acne vulgaris (AV) among adolescents in Kuwait has remained mostly unknown. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of AV and its predictors among adolescents in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 714 participants who were randomly selected from public schools using multistage cluster random sampling. The presence or absence of AV, as well as severity of AV, were assessed using the Global Acne Grading Scale. Data on risk factors and potential confounders were collected from the parents through a self-administered questionnaire, and from the adolescents by face-to-face interview. Weight and height were measured in a standardized manner. Results: Of 714 participants, 320 (44.8%; 95% CI 41.1–48.6%) self-reported AV. By clinical examination, AV was found among 479 (67.1%; 95% CI 63.5–70.5%) participants. Factors that were found to be significantly associated with AV in multivariable analysis were age, gender, nationality, and BMI categories. Females compared to males (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] 1.16 [95% CI 1.05–1.25]; p = 0.006) and overweight or obese adolescents compared to normal weight (APR 1.15 [95% CI 1.02–1.26] and 1.14 [95% CI 1.02–1.23], respectively; p = 0.026) were more likely to have AV. None of the food items studied showed an association with AV in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-reported AV seems to be lower than that reported in other settings, while the prevalence of AV by clinical examination resembles that reported in many other countries. BMI was the only modifiable risk factor associated with AV in multivariable analysis, and none of the food items studied was related to the presence or absence of AV in multivariable analysis.

Diet and acne: review of the evidence from 2009 to 2020

“…enrolled Saudi male adolescents to determine the aggravating dietary factors on acne and its prevalence, reporting an increased acne prevalence in adolescents after an excess intake of fat meals, chocolate, spicy food, and soft (cola) drinks 41 . Alkhabbaz et al ., in a study on Kuwait and non‐Kuwait adolescents, found an association between acne prevalence and dietary habits with regard to consumption in the previous 3 months of fruit, fried food, or low‐fat milk 42 …”

“…Of the 22 cross-sectional studies,17 evaluated the link between acne and dietary pattern, [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48] four dealt with acne and dairy products, [49][50][51][52] and one exclusively with the effects of daily intake of sugar from soft drinks 53 (Table 3).…”

“…41 Alkhabbaz et al, in a study on Kuwait and non-Kuwait adolescents, found an association between acne prevalence and dietary habits with regard to consumption in the previous 3 months of fruit, fried food, or low-fat milk. 42 In India, Kaushik et al carried out a study on young patients with acne to evaluate common aggravating factors on acne prevalence, showing a more frequent negative effect of fatty food and chocolate. 43 George et al conducted a study to analyze the various dietary factors that aggravate or precipitate acne and took a detailed history regarding personal and dietary habits on acne patients.…”

Excoriation (skin‐picking) disorder among adolescents and young adults with acne‐induced postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scars

“…9 The adolescent population is reported to be the most affected as found in a recent study that showed 44.8% (self-reported) and 67.1% (clinical) prevalence of AV among adolescents in Kuwait. 10 A common consequence of acne vulgaris, especially in dark-skinned individuals, is postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 11 Similarly, an estimated 95% of AV patients have been reported to have some degree of postacne scarring.…”

“…One of the commonest skin disorders globally is AV, with an estimated prevalence of 9.4% 9 . The adolescent population is reported to be the most affected as found in a recent study that showed 44.8% (self‐reported) and 67.1% (clinical) prevalence of AV among adolescents in Kuwait 10 . A common consequence of acne vulgaris, especially in dark‐skinned individuals, is postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) 11 .…”