G Gonçalves1, J M Amado, M E Matos, A Massa. 1. Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Porto, Portugal. aggoncalves@icbas.up.pt
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Worldwide, very few studies have been published on the prevalence of acne among university students. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of acne among Portuguese medical students. We also assessed associated factors and opinions. METHODS: Participants were recruited among 145 fifth year medical students. They were asked to complete a questionnaire, and were observed to grade their acne. Acne grading was done using Pillsbury criteria. RESULTS: Ninety-eight students were assessed and returned the self-completed questionnaire, 67 (68%) were female students and 31 (32%) male students. The observed prevalence of acne was 61 students (62.2%); 42 (69%) and 18 (30%) had acne grades I and II, respectively; only one was classified as grade III. The prevalence of acne was not significantly associated with gender (P=0.72), family history of acne (P=0.65), greasy hair (P=0.18), smoking habits (P=0.25) or self-perceived presence of acne (P=0.48). Regularity of menstrual cycles was not associated (P=0.73) with the presence of acne among the 67 women. The majority thought that acne strongly affects self-image and, to a much lesser extent, personal relationships, academic performance or recruitment to a job. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of acne in this study was higher than that observed in previous studies among medical students and other non-university young adults. Opinions about the causes of acne (with hormones in top of the list) were similar to previous studies. Our study sample perceived more serious consequences for self-image than university students elsewhere and younger Portuguese school children.
BACKGROUND: Worldwide, very few studies have been published on the prevalence of acne among university students. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of acne among Portuguese medical students. We also assessed associated factors and opinions. METHODS:Participants were recruited among 145 fifth year medical students. They were asked to complete a questionnaire, and were observed to grade their acne. Acne grading was done using Pillsbury criteria. RESULTS: Ninety-eight students were assessed and returned the self-completed questionnaire, 67 (68%) were female students and 31 (32%) male students. The observed prevalence of acne was 61 students (62.2%); 42 (69%) and 18 (30%) had acne grades I and II, respectively; only one was classified as grade III. The prevalence of acne was not significantly associated with gender (P=0.72), family history of acne (P=0.65), greasy hair (P=0.18), smoking habits (P=0.25) or self-perceived presence of acne (P=0.48). Regularity of menstrual cycles was not associated (P=0.73) with the presence of acne among the 67 women. The majority thought that acne strongly affects self-image and, to a much lesser extent, personal relationships, academic performance or recruitment to a job. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of acne in this study was higher than that observed in previous studies among medical students and other non-university young adults. Opinions about the causes of acne (with hormones in top of the list) were similar to previous studies. Our study sample perceived more serious consequences for self-image than university students elsewhere and younger Portuguese school children.