WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Dr. Zaid Muayad Yassen and Dr. Hiba Jamal Ahmed

ABSTRACT

Background: Dermatological disorders are common among adolescents. Skin has important role in the social relationship, acne vulgaris can cause psychosocial stress as the appearance of skin has significant effect on individual's image, all age groups may be affected by acne vulgaris, but the peak incidence is during adolescence due to increased sex hormone production, and leading to negative impact on self-esteem, causing social isolation, anxiety disorders, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study is to calculate the prevalence of acne vulgaris among secondary school students in Mosul city. Methods: Across sectional study design was chosen. A total of 700 students of both genders aged 15-21 years participated in the study. The study was carried out in Mosul city, for data collection four secondary schools were chosen, two from the right side and two from the left side, one class from each academic level was selected randomly. All students from selected classes were examined by investigators for dermatological problems. The investigator visited the selected school two times per week. Results: The prevalence of acne vulgaris among secondary school was 14.9% with not statistically difference between genders although the male gender was predominated. The acne vulgaris with ≥one year were more frequent than those with < one year, but the difference was statistically not significant (p=0.155). Receiving treatment for moderate and severe diseases was more frequent in contrary to patients with mild diseases. The difference between those who receiving the treatment and not, was statistically significant (p=0.000). the most frequent age group was 17-19 years in all the levels of the severity with a statistically not significant difference (p=0.239). Conclusions Acne vulgaris are common among adolescents, there is no gender difference although the male gender is predominant. About contributing factors family history, medications, smoking is reported in acne vulgaris. Students with acne should be seek medical advice and management to avoid unwanted results from lack of treatment such as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scars.