Effect of Acne Vulgaris and its Impact on Quality of Life of Adolescents in Bengaluru

Abstract

Background and Objective: Acne vulgaris is a chronic condition affecting more than 85% of adolescents and young adults. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of acne vulgaris and its impact on quality of life (QoL) and to study socio-demographic factors, family history and lifestyle among the selected schools at Jalahalli area in Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive cross sectional school based study and 200 subjects were included. Predesigned, questionnaire to assess socio-demographic profile and QoL and symptoms of acne vulgaris were administered to the participants fulfilling inclusion criteria. Data were obtained by using different methods such as Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), Cardiff Acne Disability Index and Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index/Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI/DLQI) respectively. SPSS 18.0 software was used for data analysis. Results: Findings showed that Acne prevalence was 87% affecting both sexes. Self-reported mild acne was present in 85.1% and moderate severe acne in 14.9% of the adolescents. The mean age of the subjects was 14.78 years, with 52.5% females and 47.5% males. A strong relation was found between the severity of acne and QoL (p<0.001). Heredity was correlated with acne and its severity was significant. Conclusion: Acne affects the QoL of an adolescent, and the impact is proportional to the severity of acne. Severe acne is associated with a greater effect on QoL. Evaluation of QoL in such patients may greatly help in the better management of acne, hence improving their quality of life. Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Adolescent; Quality of life; GAGS; CDLQI; DLQI.