Acne Vulgaris in University Students: Prevalence, Knowledge and Lifestyle Association

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence, level of knowledge and lifestyle association of acne vulgaris among undergraduate medical students of a public sector institute of Pakistan and to evaluate the level of knowledge and different lifestyle factors with gender and all the years of study. We aim to find most common factor associated with acne in our young generation, their understanding and misconception so that the clinical perception of future health professionals and therefore of the community regarding acne vulagris can be improved. Methodology In this cross-sectional study carried out among undergraduate medical students, the data was collected using stratified random sampling technique. A paper-based self-made English questionnaire was distributed to the participants by the researchers. Chi square test was used to compare differences of different categorical variables across gender and academic years. Results: A total of 170 medical students were recruited for the study according to the calculated sample size. More than half of the students (n:110; 64.7%) had acne vulgaris out of which 75 (68%) were females. Years of study were significantly related to knowledge. Gender was significantly related to lifestyle where females had acne lesions appearing more at the time of stress. However, females had less disturbed sleep as compared to males. Conclusions: Acne is a prevalent problem in the medical community with females being most affected. Help seeking attitude was lacking and knowledge was adequate with some misconceptions. Hormones and stress were the most perceived causal factors. However, stress was the only significantly associated lifestyle factor.