Attitudes of Female Medical Doctors in Nigeria to Cosmetic Surgery: An Analytic Cross‑Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Though increasing, the demand for cosmetic surgery in Nigeria is low compared to developed countries. Gender is the most predictive sociodemographic factor in determining attitude to cosmetic surgery. Aim: This study aimed to determine the attitudes of female medical doctors in Nigeria to cosmetic surgery. Materials and Methods: This was an analytic cross‑sectional study involving female medical doctors practicing in Nigeria between September 2021 and October 2021. Self‑administered questionnaires were distributed to participants via social media platforms and during the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria’s 22nd Biennial Conference. Attitude to cosmetic surgery was assessed using the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS). An independent samples t‑test/analysis of variance test was used to determine the mean significant differences between the study characteristics and ACSS scores. Sociodemographic and medical practice factors associated with willingness to undergo cosmetic surgery were determined using Chi‑square/Fisher’s exact test. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were 181 respondents. Most of them were young (mean age: 35.94 ± 7.19 years), married (126 [69.6%]), and practiced in tertiary institutions (137 [75.7%]). Sixty‑two (34.3%) respondents were willing to undergo cosmetic surgery in the future, while only five (2.8%) had undergone prior cosmetic surgery. ACSS analysis revealed that most, 133 (73.5%), respondents had a positive attitude to cosmetic surgery. However, none of the study characteristics were significant predictors of attitude to or willingness to undergo cosmetic surgery. Conclusion: Most of the participants had a positive attitude to cosmetic surgery, but were unwilling to undergo one. Further qualitative studies are needed.