Psychosocial effects of Acne vulgaris and Practices regarding its Self-Medication among Undergraduate Medical students of Karachi, Pakistan

Acne vulgaris is the most prevalent dermatological conditions, particularly affecting young adults. In addition to its physical manifestations, acne can impact psychosocial wellbeing, influencing self-esteem, social interactions, and mental health. While various treatments for acne exist, medical students often influenced by beliefs, societal ideals of beauty or desire for immediate relief. Understanding the psychosocial impact of acne and self-medication practices is important in local context, as it provides insights into implications of this medical condition, both on personal wellbeing and academic performance. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the psychosocial effects of acne vulgaris and self-reported medication practices among undergraduate medical students in Karachi, Pakistan.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 316 undergraduate medical students aged 18–29 years, were selected in the study through a convenience sampling technique from August 2021 to October 2021, from different academic years in Sindh Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected using a validated self-reported questionnaire. The effect on quality of life living with acne over the last week was assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0.

Of the 316 participants included, 15.1% were males and 84.8% were females. The majority of students 70.6%, were in the 21–23 years’ age group. The mean age of participants was 23.5±3.45 years. Of the 316 participants who experienced having acne, DLQI was used to assess the psychosocial impact. The mean DLQI score was 3.2±2.8. The psychosocial impact of acne was not relevant significantly, with 32.6% of participants reported over the last week, experience of itchy, sore, painful or sting due to acne was not at all effect on the quality of life. Approximately 33.2% reported feelings of self-consciousness or embarrassment due to their acne as it was not at all effect on the quality of life and 55.1% mentioned that their acne effect on daily living-indoor/outdoor activities was also not relevant. Regarding shopping, 51.9% reported experience that their acne effect on choice of clothes was also not relevant. Regarding social, leisure and sport activities, 64.6% reported that their acne effect was not relevant and 63.6 mentioned that their acne effect on inter or intra personal relationship was not relevant. Regarding studying or working, 72.7% reported that their acne effect was not relevant and 63.2% mentioned that treatment impact was not relevant. A majority of participants 53.5% reported self-medicate for acne and pharmacological information 16.5% was the common reason.

The dermatological quality of life of medical students in the study setting was optimal. Along with health promotion, drug regulation, and dermatologic treatment, special attention should be given to psychosocial support, socioeconomic status of students suffering from acne vulgaris so that the overall quality of life can improve.