A descriptive cross-sectional survey of prevalence, knowledge and perceptions of acne vulgaris among secondary school students in Nigeria

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a pilosebaceous gland disorder affecting mostly teenagers. Most Nigerian youths attend secondary schools during the teen-age period yet information on the prevalence, knowledge and perceptions of acne vulgaris among them is scanty. The present study was designed to evaluate the prevalence, knowledge and perceptions of acne vulgaris among secondary school students in Nigeria. A standard pre-tested questionnaire on acne was administered to consenting secondary school students in 3 urban towns of Nigeria. The questionnaire measured acne knowledge, beliefs and perception. Respondents who claimed to have acne had visual facial examination to confirm their self-assessment. Responses were matched with demographic data. Responses from 1777 students were analysed. Six hundred and fifty nine of 1552 students who responded to the presence of acne (42.5 %) had acne. Mildly severe acne was the predominant type with over 80% respondents having knowledge of acne and 60% had family history. Many respondents were conscious of their facial appearance, believed that acne patients should be empathized and avoid certain occupation. On the other hand, acne sufferers were not bothered by the disorder and only a few had ever sought medical help. This study thus established that Acne is well recognized by Nigerian secondary school students. Health education program on acne is needed to improve the understanding of some youths about the condition.

Keywords: prevalence, acne knowledge, students, Nigeria

Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 48(3) 2005: 73-76