Abstract
BackgroundAcne vulgaris is recognized as the third most prevalent skin disease worldwide, with highest prevalence among adolescents. Beliefs and perceptions of adolescents about acne are incoherent in the literature. ObjectivesTo assess the most frequently reported acne-related beliefs in adolescents in order to focus on misconceptions and develop proper recommendations. MethodsA cross-sectional community-based study on representative sample of 2516 schoolchildren was conducted in six randomly selected secondary schools in Belgrade, Serbia. Only schoolchildren with present or past acne history participated. Factors believed to aggravate or ameliorate acne were recorded and analyzed, and the comparisons between girls and boys were evaluated using Pearson's chi-squared test. ResultsA total of 1452 schoolchildren with acne participated, aged 14–18 years, among them 801 (55.2%) girls and 651 (44.8%) boys. Boys significantly more frequently believed that sweating, exercise, and dairy foods aggravate acne, whereas girls significantly more frequently blamed emotional stress, sweets, fatty foods, sun, and lack of sleep. The top four amelioration factors were as follows: comedone extraction, healthy diet, sun exposure, and increased water consumption. Acne regression was more frequently perceived to be linked with cigarettes in boys, but with sun exposure and weight loss in girls. Study limitationsThe narrow age span of adolescents (14–18 years) and exclusion of acne-free adolescents are limitations due to study design. ConclusionThis survey is part of the first epidemiological study on a representative sample in the Western Balkan region. The significance of the most frequent acne-related beliefs is discussed and myths about acne are highlighted.
Highlights
Apart from a few small-scale studies focused on quality of life issues, and one Croatian study based on knowledge gaps in acne patients and physicians, basic epidemiological studies on representative samples of adolescents with acne in the countries of the Western Balkans have not been performed yet.2---4
Studies based on beliefs and perceptions regarding acne have involved either only acne patients/adolescents5---9 or all students/schoolchildren in the community setting10---13; the latter are purposely conducted to assess the general knowledge on acne and treatment-seeking behavior
The analysis of acne exacerbation factors in the present study revealed that nearly half of all female respondents (47.6%) and slightly more than 1/3 of all participants believed that emotional stress triggers acne
Summary
Acne vulgaris is recognized as an almost universal cutaneous disease, the third most prevalent skin disease worldwide, with highest prevalence among adolescents, ranging between 40% and 70%.1 Apart from a few small-scale studies focused on quality of life issues, and one Croatian study based on knowledge gaps in acne patients and physicians, basic epidemiological studies on representative samples of adolescents with acne in the countries of the Western Balkans have not been performed yet.2---4 Studies based on beliefs and perceptions regarding acne have involved either only acne patients/adolescents5---9 or all students/schoolchildren in the community setting10---13; the latter are purposely conducted to assess the general knowledge on acne and treatment-seeking behavior. Studies based on beliefs and perceptions regarding acne have involved either only acne patients/adolescents5---9 or all students/schoolchildren in the community setting10---13; the latter are purposely conducted to assess the general knowledge on acne and treatment-seeking behavior. Their idea is mainly to target the specific vulnerable population with tailor-made educational programs by clarifying the myths and misconceptions about acne. The present research is a community-based study on a representative sample of adolescents with self-evaluated acne; their beliefs about possible factors that may contribute to acne aggravation or amelioration are analyzed. Acne regression was more frequently perceived to be linked with cigarettes in boys, but with sun exposure and weight loss in girls
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