Prevalence of acne vulgaris, its contributing factors, and treatment satisfaction among the Saudi population in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of acne vulgaris, its contributing factors, and treatment satisfaction among the Saudi population in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The research employed a cross-sectional design with 390 participants, utilizing a convenience sampling technique. An online questionnaire was distributed via the Internet for data collection. Results: The results revealed that the majority of the participants had either oily (33.8%) or mixed (35.9%) skin, while dry (14.6%) and normal (15.6%) skin types were less common. In terms of acne severity, the largest proportion of participants reported experiencing mild acne (49.2%), followed by those with no acne (36.4%), moderate acne (11.8%), and severe acne (2.6%). Regarding dermatological factors, acne scarring was observed in 45.9% of the participants, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was also prevalent, with 45.1% of the participants experiencing it. In terms of psychological factors, shyness was reported by 37.2% of the individuals, and depression was noted in 16.2% of the participants. The individuals aged 15-24 years demonstrated a higher odds ratio (3.153) as compared to other groups indicating a potential association between younger age and the condition. The females exhibited a higher odds ratio (1.838) as compared to males, albeit not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study revealed a considerable impact of acne on individuals. Additionally, the presence of acne scarring, along with psychological challenges such as shyness, depression, and social isolation, underscores the necessity for comprehensive skincare approaches addressing both physical and mental health aspects.