The impact of acne vulgaris on quality of life and psychic health in young adolescents in Greece. Results of a population survey

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris can severely affect social and psychological functioning.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of acne vulgaris and its severity on Quality of Life of young adolescents in Greece.

METHODS

We conducted a questionnaire based survey among 1560 adolescent between the agesof 11 and 19 years old and 1531 of these were completed. Adolescents with acnefilled all the questions including the Children Dermatology Life Quality Index.Adolescents without acne filled the questions about age, family history of acne,stress and smoking. Data were analyzed with Pearson Chi Square test.

RESULTS

Acne prevalence was 51.2% affecting both sexes equally. Self reported mild acnewas present in 71.2% and moderate-severe acne in 28.8% of the study population.The mean age of the study population was 15.77y. The median score of ChildrenDermatology Life Quality Index was 4.02. The impact of acne on quality of life isassociated with the severity of the acne (p<0.0001). Patients withmoderate/severe acne experience greater psychosocial and emotional impairment(p<0.0001). Body image is modified proportionally to the severity of acne(p<0.0001). Symptoms and treatment of acne are factors that also influencetheir quality of life. Girls and boys are equally affected. Stress and heredityare correlated with acne and its severity (p<0.0001). We didn''t find anycorrelation between smoking and acne.

CONCLUSION

Acne affects Quality of Life of young adolescents in Greece. The impact isproportional to the severity of acne. More severe acne is associated with greatereffect on quality of life with implications for self esteem, body image andrelationships with others.