Youth insight and understanding of Acne Vulgaris -A hospital based study

Dr. Anu Gupta; Dr. Chintu Chaudhary; Dr. Priyanka Bharti; Amol Gite

Volume : VII, Issue : XI, November - 2017

Youth insight and understanding of Acne Vulgaris -A hospital based study

Dr. Anu Gupta, Dr. Chintu Chaudhary, Dr. Priyanka Bharti, Amol Gite

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: We all have had to experience acne at one time or another in our lives. Acne is a chronic inflammatory dermatological condition that includes clogged pores, pimples and lumps or cysts that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Acne occurs most commonly in teenagers, but is not limited to any age group, afflicting even adults in their forties. However acne is more severe in males, it lasts for a longer duration in females. Acne patients are prone to low self–esteem, low confidence and social dysfunction which may lead to anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsiveness and sometimes suicidal ideation.

The objectives of this study were to access the understanding of the acne vulgaris among youth. It is also to determine the Clinical profile of the disease and gather knowledge beliefs, perceptions and practices of acne patients regarding their condition and their expectations about treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted on the patients of acne vulgaris coming to the skin and Venereology department, AIMSR, Bathinda, Punjab, during the months of June and July 2016. The study population comprises of 200 patients of either sexes and above the age of 14 years. The participation was voluntary and an informed consent was taken from all such patients. A pretested questionnaire was used to gather information.

RESULTS: The present study indicates that more than 80% of the patients fall in mild to moderate category. Of the 200 enrolled patients, 48 (22%) patients found to be with Mild severity, 104 (52%) patients with Moderate severity and only 43(22.5%) patients were found to have severe degree of acne vulgaris. In the present study it was found that the awareness regarding the Acne vulgaris is very high and majority of the patients participated in study. They were either consulting the doctor (about 85%) or taking over the counter drugs from pharmacist (about75%) in the form of topical ointment. Knowledge score about acne vulgaris was also measured and it was concluded that dependency on age and education was found to be positive while sex and religion had no direct relation with the understanding of acne vulgaris of patients.

DATA ANALYSIS: After all the data was collected, it was tabulated and analyzed by statistical software SPSS version 20.0 and findings were compared with the previous studies to suggest suitable recommendations.

CONCLUSION: Present study concludes that the awareness regarding the Acne vulgaris is very high in the study population however in spite of being so common and well responsive to treatment; patients had poor practice and unfavorable attitude towards the acne vulgaris occurrence and management. So it is very important to highlight the myths and provide knowledge regarding the disease to the populace.