Opinions and Perceptions on Acne: A Community-Based
Questionnaire Study in Thai Students
Puan Suthipinittharm MD*, Nopadon Noppakun MD**, Kanokvalai Kulthanan MD*,
Sukhum Jiamton MD, PhD*, Natta Rajatanavin MD***, Kobkul Aunhachoke MD****,
Jiroj Sindhavanonda MD*****, Russanee Akraphan MD*****, Araya Manapajon MD*
Affiliation :
* Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
** Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
*** Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital,
Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
**** Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Medical College, Bangkok, Thailand
***** Institute of Dermatology, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate the opinions and perceptions on acne and the effect of acne on the quality of life in Thai teenagers.
Material and Method: Five hundred ninety seven students of five high schools in Bangkok were administered a self-reported
questionnaire about acne. Of these, 537 students were further examined by dermatologists to grade acne severity.
Results : The study population consisted of 392 (65.7%) female and 205 (34.3%) male. More than half believed that inadequate
sleep, stress, sweat/exercise/hot weather, cosmetics, pre-menstrual period, oily food, and sun exposure aggravated their
acne. Regarding Dermatology life quality index (DLQI), the question concerning embarrassment had the highest mean
DLQI score, which reflect the most impact by acne.
Conclusion : Some of the Thai adolescents still had misconceptions about the disease. Even mild acne can have an extremely
large effect on their quality of life.
Keywords : Acne, Opinions, Perceptions, Thai
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