Prevalence and Self-Medication for Acne among Students of Health-Related Science Colleges at King Saud University in Riyadh Region Saudi Arabia

Self-care methods use for acne treatment among health science students

Introduction

The use of self-care methods, such as over-the-counter (OTC) products and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), is common along the acne care pathway. This study aimed to explore self-care methods for acne and assess their associations with acne severity.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in health programs. Convenience sampling was used to invite participants to complete a survey containing sociodemographic, clinical, and self-care-related questions. Acne diagnosis and severity were evaluated by a physician via the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). A multivariate regression model was used to analyze the associations between variables.

Results

The final sample comprised 190 participants, with 24.2 % males and 70.8 % females. Most participants had mild acne (77.4 %) and reported positive family histories (82.1 %). Approximately one-third used OTC products (31.1 %), and nearly two-thirds used CAM (62.6 %). The most frequently used OTC products were facial cleansers (48.2 %), followed by creams and moisturizers (30.7 %) and cleansing soap (21.1 %). A lack of acne severity was the primary reason for the use of CAM. Social media (46.7 %) and the internet (46.2 %) were the most frequently reported sources of information. Acne severity was associated with OTC product use (p = 0.009) and the duration of acne (p < 0.001). Furthermore, OTC product use was associated with receiving a professional diagnosis (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study identified the most common OTC products and CAM used in acne and demonstrated an association between OTC product use and acne severity. Future studies should explore discussions on self-care methods in clinical consultations and the timing of using these methods throughout the care pathway. Integrating shared decision-making in clinical practice and tailoring educational interventions to patient preferences and communication channels may encourage the safe and effective use of self-care methods.

Exploring Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for the Management of Acne Vulgaris Among University Students: Forms, Trends, and Information Sources

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease that has physical and psychological impacts. Patients diagnosed with acne often use complementary and alternative medicine, despite the insufficient evidence.

AIMS

This cross-sectional study sought to identify the types, trends in and reasons for utilizing complementary and alternative medicine for acne among university students.

PATIENTS/METHODS

The study was conducted among health sciences students from March to June, 2023, using clinical examination and a questionnaire. All participants were assessed for a diagnosis of acne.

RESULTS

The final sample size consisted of 367 participants, of whom 68.9% were females and 31.1% were males. The study revealed a high prevalence of acne (74.4%). Among those with acne, 59.7% reported using complementary and alternative medicine, with the biological forms being most frequent at 90.2%. The reasons commonly stated for using complementary and alternative medicine were lack of severity (48.5%) and the potential for internet-based self-treatment (33.1%). The main sources of information were the internet (44.8%) and social media (41.1%). Age, gender, and the occurrence of acne on the chin were associated with complementary and alternative medicine use (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of complementary and alternative medicine for treating acne is widespread, with a tendency toward biological forms. Healthcare practitioners should be familiar with the patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use for the treatment of acne to better meet patient needs and concerns. Policymaking can leverage the role of online resources in addressing the use of unconventional treatment modalities.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-medication for acne among medical students in Beni-Suef University

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and self-medication practices for acne vulgaris.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Beni-Suef University's Faculty of Medicine from January 2023 to June 2023. A pre-structured questionnaire was used for the study.

RESULTS

A total of 297 students (85.1 %) used self-medications for acne without a prescription. The total knowledge score of self-medication among the study participants was 3.81 ± 2.23. About 71.4 % knew about precautions, and 72.7 % of the participants reported that self-medication is part of self-care. There was a statistical significance between the total mean knowledge score and age (p=0.007), gender (p=0.013), and academic year (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant portion of students self-medicate about acne. The total knowledge score of self-medication was to some extent not relatively high. Educational programs can be developed to increase medical students' awareness of the risks and benefits of self-medication, information on appropriate use of medications, and when to seek medical attention.

Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Acne Vulgaris Among the General Population in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent inflammatory conditions in the world that primarily affects teenagers. Its prevalence and the contributing factors vary across different regions and populations. Genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors are believed to be significant contributors.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study involving 419 participants from the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. The study employed non-probability convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected through online questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 27; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY).

RESULTS

The study found that acne prevalence was high, affecting more than half (66.8%) of the participants, with mild severity reported by 51.8%. Pimples were most commonly found on the face (65.2%), followed by the back (45.3%) and chest (29.6%). Participants with oily skin had twice the likelihood of acne compared to those with dry skin (OR=2.14). Increasing age was associated with a 5% decrease in acne risk per year. Significant associations were found for age (p=0.010), female gender (p=0.017), and oily skin (p<0.001) with acne development.

CONCLUSION

The study found a high prevalence rate of acne vulgaris among the young population in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Age, female gender, and having oily skin were predictors for developing acne vulgaris. Complications such as acne scarring and psychological impacts such as shyness underscore the significant burden of acne on social and psychological well-being. Enhanced treatment and improved quality of life necessitate heightened awareness campaigns concerning acne vulgaris, its treatments, and associated complications, as revealed by the study.

Over the Counter: Self-Care or Self-Harm? A Mixed Method Study Protocol on Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Medication Practices in Wardha

Background Self-medication (SM), a common practice globally, possesses a dual challenge of being a self-care strategy and a potential source of harm observed across all age groups. The study is being conducted to gauge the prevalence of SM of prescription drugs with their over-the-counter access, thus addressing the delicate balance between self-care and self-harm related to SM. Material and methods This ongoing convergent parallel mixed method study with quantitative and qualitative components will be conducted on a sample size of 180 subjects aged more than 18 years from an urban community. For the quantitative component, a semi-structured questionnaire will assess the prevalence of SM, types of medications used, reasons for self-medicating, and socio-demographic factors influencing these practices. Concurrently, qualitative interviews delve deeper into the beliefs shaping SM practices. Sampling will be purposive to capture diverse perspectives, with data analyzed using statistical tools. Results This study protocol will offer a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and determinants of SM practices. The quantitative data provide numerical insights into SM trends, while the qualitative findings elucidate the nuanced factors driving individuals' SM choices. Conclusions A multifaceted view of SM practices will be provided, aiding in developing interventions to promote safe and effective self-care while mitigating the risks of self-harm through SM. Anticipated findings can include a widespread prevalence of SM amongst the general urban populace. Significant associations can also be expected to be found with various independent variables. The results will be instrumental in informing public health policies and healthcare practices toward enhancing patient safety and well-being.

Community pharmacist intervention in doxycycline self-medication for acne among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Self-medication during pregnancy remains a prevalent global phenomenon, with pregnant women often relying on their own judgment to manage symptoms. Objective: This study aimed to assess community pharmacist practice regarding self-medication requests for acne treatment in pregnant women within Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A descriptive, observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Community pharmacists completed a questionnaire after interacting with a simulated customer (SC) seeking doxycycline for a pregnant woman. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

One hundred community pharmacists participated in the study. The majority were between 25 and 35 years old (56 %) and worked in chain pharmacies (81 %). Notably, 71 % requested a prescription before dispensing any medication. While 66 % advised the SC to consult a physician or dermatologist, only 15 % inquired about the pregnancy and related information of the SC's sister.

Conclusion

This study suggests a positive trend in community pharmacy practice regarding self-medication requests during pregnancy. However, further improvement is needed, particularly in terms of in-depth inquiry about pregnancy status and potential risks associated with specific medications. Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Health (MOH), Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), and pharmacy education programs are crucial to minimize inappropriate dispensing practices and ensure optimal patient safety.

Prevalence of acne and its impact on quality of life and practices regarding self-treatment among medical students

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases worldwide and causes great distress to patients. In addition, most acne patients suffer from low self-esteem and social withdrawal. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of acne and its impact on quality of life among medical students. It also evaluates the patterns of self-treatment use. The study population consisted of all medical students from An-Najah National University (ANU) and the hospital. The questionnaire consists of three parts, and the first part consists of questions regarding demographic information. The second part consisted of questions to measure the severity of acne using the acne severity scale as well as the Cardiff Disability Index, which assesses the quality of life concerning acne in medical students. Finally, the third part consisted of questions exploring and assessing acne self-treatment. The mean age of our study sample was 21.3 ± 1.9 years, with a female predominance of 72.3%. The prevalence of acne among medical students was 80.9%, and 36.6% practiced self-medication. Acne was strongly associated with female sex (p < 0.001) and skin type (p = 0.024). Regarding diet, dairy consumption (p = 0.007), sweets (p < 0.001), chocolate (p < 0.001), and oily food (p = 0.006) were all significantly associated with acne. Skin type was strongly associated with the severity of acne (p < 0.001) and the Cardiff acne disability index (p = 0.016). Gender (p = 0.039) was also associated with Cardiff acne disability. A significant correlation was found between the severity of acne and impaired quality of life. The most commonly used topical agent for self-treatment remedies was antibiotics (70.3%). The most commonly used oral agent was isotretinoin (9.4%). A total of 22.7% of the students used herbal products, while 47.7% used home remedies. Acne is prevalent among medical students, with a high percentage of students having different degrees of impairment in their daily lives. As a result, self-medication among acne sufferers is highly common. Awareness of the appropriate use of self-medication should increase among medical students.

The prevalence of self-medication and its associated factors among college students: Cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia

Background

Self-medication with OTC or prescription drugs is widespread, may impair health, and leads to microbial resistance. Self-medication treats symptoms without a prescription. Self-medication is common among students across disciplines. Thus, this study evaluates medical and non-medical students' self-medication prevalence, knowledge, and variables.

Methods

352 people completed a verified 25-item online questionnaire from September 5 to November 17, 2021. Self-medication and demographic characteristics such as gender, professional college, and family income were examined using a chi-square test of independence.

Results

210 (59.6 %) participants were from the College of Medicine, and 142 (40.34 %) were from other professional health colleges. Health professional students self-medicated 55.9 %. This research found substantial connections between self-medication knowledge, gender, and family income. With a p-value of 0.0001, 32 % of women agreed that self-medication is safe, compared to 15.8 % of men. Female students were more likely than boys (61.9 % vs 38.1 %, p-value = 0.0291) to self-medicate as their initial therapy. Family income was also related to self-medication; 69.6 % of low-income pupils self-medicated to reduce doctor visits, p-value = 0.0477.

Conclusion

Students of all majors self-medicate. Medical students were more informed about generic drug safety and administration. There were substantial unfavorable sentiments regarding self-medication, highlighting the need for educational health activities to raise student understanding of its risks.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists toward the management of acne vulgaris in Saudi Arabia

Background and objectives

In Saudi Arabia, Acne vulgaris is a very predominant ailment and Pharmacists currently have standardized protocols at their disposal for the treatment of acne. Pharmacists often prescribe medications for minor cases of acne. Therefore, this study aimed to explore community pharmacists (CPs)' knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward acne management in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

An online cross-sectional study was conducted among CPs working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January and April 2021, using a self-administered, questionnaire, was divided into four sections that collected information from the CP's Knowledge, attitudes, and practices and the management of acne vulgaris. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 (SPSS).

Result

A total of 313 CPs were enrolled in the study who successfully returned the questionnaire. The mean score of knowledge on etiology, pathophysiology, and therapy for AV was 5.3 ± (SD = 1.5). However, the majority of CPs had a moderate level of knowledge (80.8%), followed by mild to moderate (12.8%). This study showed that CPs had an insufficient level of knowledge about ace management, about 6% of CPs have a high level of knowledge. Inadequate knowledge was revealed in their management practice, only 0.3% of CPs treated patients with acne on their own without a referral. In addition, CPs showed a positive attitude toward acne management.

Conclusion

There is a need to improve CPs' understanding of acne care and to contribute to participating in organized training sessions on the management of AV.