Association of acne with impaired dermatologic quality of life among Young People in Nigeria: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective: Acne, particularly severe forms, may impair quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acne, its severity, and its impact on the quality of life among young people in Nigeria.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1017 systematically selected undergraduates in a Nigerian University using a 24-item self-administered questionnaire. We derived the proportions and means of participants’ characteristics and computed the crude and specific (age, sex, and location of residence) prevalence. We then conducted bivariate analysis and used binary logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between the report of acne and the dermatologic quality of life. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results: About half (539; 53.0%) of the respondents were females, while 478 (47.0%) were males with mean ages of 16.6 (±1.2) and 16.8 (±1.4) (p = 0.004) respectively. The prevalence of self-reported acne was 61.3% (58.2-64.3). Participants reporting acne were four times more likely to perceive an impairment in dermatologic quality of life (AOR: 4.18 [2.77-6.33]). The perceived severity of acne was statistically related to the dermatologic quality of life. Participants with moderate (AOR: 3.05 [2.19-4.25]) and severe (AOR: 7.96 [3.12-20.16]) acne were at increased odds of impairment of dermatologic quality of life compared to those with no or mild acne.

Conclusion: The self-report of acne and its severity are associated with diminished quality of life independent of age and sex. The management of acne among young people should include strategies to improve their perceived quality of life.