Prevalence of acne vulgaris and its association with lifestyle among the general population of Jazan city, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Acne vulgaris is a common cutaneous disorder caused by chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands. It is characterized by the presence of open and closed comedones, oily skin, pimples, and scarring. It mainly affects skin with numerous oil glands, including the face, chest, and back. The risk factors for acne include genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Although acne is a benign condition, it has a worldwide prevalence of approximately 10%. Herein, we aimed to study the prevalence of acne vulgaris and its association with lifestyle in the general population. Methodology: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered electronically distributed questionnaire to assess the association between acne vulgaris and lifestyle among the general population in the Jazan region. Results: A total of 462 residents of Jazan responded (270 females [58.4%] and 192 males [41.6%]). The mean age was 25.52 years (SD = 7.7). Approximately 63.6% of our respondents suffered from acne, which affected the cheeks (75.9%). Acne was significantly associated with skin type, use of facial cleansers, BMI, family history, stress, and fast food intake. However, 64.6% of the respondents did not visit a doctor for acne. Furthermore, 25.9% of the respondents did not use any medications, whereas 31% used topical medications. Conclusion: Approximately two-thirds of the study participants had acne. Therefore, more efforts are needed to assess the cause of the high prevalence of acne in our region and to determine the related risk factors to minimize its incidence by conducting educational programs.