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- Title
Living with acne: A patient-centered study on myths, beliefs and perceptions.
- Authors
Rashid, Sumara; Jamil, Zainab; Azeem, Saleha; Afzal, Nimra
- Abstract
Introduction There is limited information on the perception and attitudes of patients with acne about their condition. Though not life-threatening, acne vulgaris has adverse effects on an individual's social and psychological status. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among the patients presenting with acne in the OPD of Fatima Memorial Hospital, Shadman. A self-administered survey was employed encompassing socio-demographic elements (age, gender, marital status, and educational level), acne severity (calculated by the Global Acne Grading System), perceived causes, aggravating and relieving factors of acne, preferred modes of treatment, and sources of information. The perceived effect of acne on marriage and pregnancy was also asked. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing SPSS v.26. Results Out of 100 respondents, 60% were female. According to the GAGs score, 70% experienced mild, 25% experienced moderate, and 5% suffered from severe acne. The three key factors leading to acne as highlighted by study participants were puberty (66%), use of cosmetics (22%), and genetic causes (18%). Major perceived aggravating factors of acne were oily (46%) and spicy food (31%), friction (45%), stress (32%), tea/coffee (23%), chocolates (19%), and excessive sweating (18%). Most of the patients (56%) believed acne heals itself, followed by increased intake of water (29%) and the use of medication (26%). The majority of these patients were unsure about the effects of marriage (70%) and pregnancy (87%) on acne. 85% of participants believed that acne should be treated by a dermatologist. The principal sources of knowledge about acne were the internet (44%), friends (27%), society (15%), and parents (14%). Conclusion Misconceptions about acne vulgaris are present in its patients. Accessible and accurate community-based education programs can help increase awareness. Media being the most commonly used source of information can play a vital role. This will improve patient compliance leading to effective treatment of the disease itself and management of psychosocial problems associated with it.
- Subjects
ACNE; PLACE-based education; PATIENT compliance; COMMUNITY-based programs; MARITAL status; PRECOCIOUS puberty
- Publication
Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists, 2023, Vol 33, Issue 4, p1314
- ISSN
1560-9014
- Publication type
Article