Prevalence and psychological impact of Acne vulgaris among female secondary school students in Arar city, Saudi Arabia, in 2018

IntroductionAcne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide. Self-medication for acne is a fairly common practice among medical students. The objective of our study was to identify the prevalence of self-medication and to assess its knowledge, attitude, and practices among medical students.Materials and methodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January 2019 to June 2019. Data were collected by using the convenient sampling technique. Students were asked to fill a semi-structured questionnaire. Students of all the medical years studying in our university were included in the study. Data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, US).ResultsOut of 349 students, 244 (69.9%) suffered from acne and self-medication was practiced by 123 (50.4%) acne sufferers. The practice of self-medication was significantly higher in students having acne lesions on the face (52.2%). The most common source of information was reported to be acquaintances (55.8%). Most of the students had knowledge of the dosage of drugs (46.3%) and precautions for their use (41.5%). Sixty-three percent of the students were of the opinion that self-medication is part of self-care. Most of the students read the expiration date on the drug label (88.6%).ConclusionAcne is a highly prevalent condition among medical students and the practice of self-medication among acne sufferers is high. The practice of self-medication and visits to dermatologists were both significantly more common in the students with lesions on the face. The knowledge of students regarding self-medication of acne was not adequate.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Self-medication for Acne Among Medical Students

Tameez-ud-din

Malik

Bhatti

et al. 2019

“…This reflects that the incidence of acne vulgaris is increasing in the Kingdom. Another study conducted in a nearby region of Northern Saudi Arabia, Arar, revealed 54% prevalence of acne among adolescents [6,7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since early 1900s, the association between acne and dietary habits has been questioned in the literature [14]. Literature showed enough epidemiological link to consider the effect of diet on acne [6,7]. Hence, studies have suggested dermatologists to encourage patients with acne to avoid refined carbohydrates and shift to low glycemic index foods [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidemiology of Acne Vulgaris and Its Association With Lifestyle Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Community-Based Study

Alshammrie

Alshammari

Alharbi

et al. 2020

Acne vulgaris is the commonest dermatological problem internationally and nationally. Its incidence is increasing every year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Though it is not a major health issue but it significantly affects the patient cosmetically, psychologically and socially. Previous studies have shown its association with lifestyle (age, diet, stress, sleep, smoking, exercise, obesity, etc.) and family history. By simple cost-effective lifestyle modification, its occurrence and late consequences could be minimized. Few hospital-based studies are done on this issue in Hail City, KSA. Hence present cross-sectional study was designed where data was collected by Google-Form from 484 residents of Hail City. Results have revealed that 65% of our respondents were suffering from mild to moderate Acne. Thirty percent of the respondents had BMI equal to more than 30. Majority of respondents (81%) had acne on whole face. Similarly, dairy products were also consumed by more than 50%. Majority of respondents (more than 50%) took chocolates, fast foods, oily foods and seafoods. Nuts were taken quite often by 37% of respondents. Age between 21-25 years and oily skin have a highly significant association (p = 0.000) with development of acne. Other variables that show significant association with acne were being obese, stressful, irregular menstrual cycles and excessive intake of nuts. Hence there is a need to address this issue in order to design recommendations for the general public to minimize the incidence and consequences of acne vulgaris by simple lifestyle modifications.

“…Whereas another community-based study carried out in China reported an acne prevalence of 38% among females aged 15-19 years [13]. A research carried out in Saudi Arabia found an overall prevalence of 14.3% among female secondary school students [14]. Most of these studies have been conducted in secondary school or high school students, with very few conducted in college and university students [4,12,15].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Psychological Impact of Acne Vulgaris in Female Undergraduate Medical Students of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan

Babar

Mobeen

2019

Background:Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease, affecting approximately 9.4% of the world’s population, with considerable effect on the quality of life. According to a previously conducted study, the prevalence rate of acne in Pakistan was found to be 5%. And to this date, no reliable data is available about the prevalence of acne in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of acne vulgaris and its psycho-social impact on female undergraduate medical students of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted during the month of August 2019 among female undergraduate medical students from three randomly selected medical colleges of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The diagnosed cases of acne vulgaris were assessed by using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US).ResultsThe prevalence of acne vulgaris was found to be 14.47% in female undergraduate medical students of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Sixty percent (n=99) were found to have itchy sores and stinging skin, 66.7% (n=110) were embarrassed by their acne-prone skin, and the social activity of 60% (n=99) of the participants was affected by their active acne. Of the students, 73.9% were not affected by their acne while studying or working. Around 61.2% (n=101) complained that their acne treatment was a problem and hiding it took time or made a mess.Two percent showed a severe impact, with 14% having very large, 44% moderate, 30% low, and the remaining 10% with no effect of acne in their psychosocial functioning.ConclusionAcne vulgaris is a chronic skin disease that considerably affects the psychosocial functioning of female undergraduate medical students. A holistic approach in treating acne requires the participation of a dermatologist and mental health professional.