Predictors of psychological and health related quality of life among in-school adolescents with facial acne vulgaris in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder among adolescents and could have a significant impact on the psychological wellbeing of the sufferer due to perceived feelings of discomfiture and low self-esteem. The study sought to assess the quality of life (QOL) among adolescents with facial acne vulgaris as well as identify factors related to QOL. A cross-sectional design involving 247 in-school adolescents (aged 10-19 years) with facial acne vulgaris diagnosed following clinical evaluation was employed. The Combined Acne Severity Scale (CASS) was used to assess severity of acne vulgaris; while the Youth quality of life-short form instrument (YQOL-SF) was used to assess their quality of life. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were employed in assessing the factors associated with QOL.The mean age of the adolescents was 14.8 ± 2.1 years; comprising of 104 males (42.1%) and 143 females (57.9%). Mild, moderate and severe forms of acne was noted in 47.0% (n=116), 41.7% (n=103) and 11.3% (n=28) of the adolescents respectively. The overall mean YQOL-SF was 74.2 ± 16.1. Following multiple linear regression analysis, only social class attained statistical significance (p<0.05); it showed that as level of social class worsens, the QOLof the adolescents decreases. Adolescents with facial acne vulgaris have poorer QOL, which is independent of their age, gender, BMI and severity of acne. However, the perception of their QOL is affected by their social class. Thus, mental health evaluation and holistic care among adolescents with facial acne vulgaris especially those from lower social class are hereby advocated.