A survey evaluating knowledge, perception, and use of skin lightening products among South African students (original) (raw)
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Skin Lightening Among University Students: Knowledge, Attitudes and Reasons for Use
https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR\_Vol.10\_Issue.7\_July2020/IJHSR\_Abstract.039.html, 2020
Introduction: Skin lightening (SL) is considered a serious public health issue affecting the dark-skin population. There is a paucity of data on SL among university students in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to document the knowledge, attitudes and reasons for use of SL products among university students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted among University of Abuja, Nigeria students. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, brand of skincare products used and reasons for use was sought. Market survey on the lightening agent and cost of skincare products was obtained and analysed. Results: A total of 200 students completed a pre-tested questionnaire, 24 males and 176 females. Mean age was 21.5 ±4.6 years. Most of the students interviewed reside in-campus. The rates of use of SL soaps and body creams were 25.5% and 46%respectively. Males used more SL body creams than soaps. Students who used SL body creams are 2.6 times as likely to use lightening bath soap than students who do not use SL body creams (95% CI = 1.29, 5.11). Skin lightening product was mostly recommended by a friend. Only 19.6% of the students who used SL body creams have ever applied sunscreen lotions on body and face. Conclusion: The use of SL products is quite popular among University of Abuja students. Friendship is a strong motivating factor that contributes to SL practice. Education on proper SL terminologies and importance of sunscreens use is necessary in our universities.
Use of skin lightening creams among female University students in Zimbabwe: a preliminary survey
Medical Journal of Zambia
Objective: To explore the prevalence and beliefs around use of skin lighteners among female university students at the University of Zimbabwe. Methods and Materials: We conducted a descriptive cross sectional survey to ascertain the prevalence and correlates of use of skin lightening creams among a sample of 138 female university students (mean age 22years, SD=1.73) who responded to self-administered questionnaires. Results: Prevalence of use of skin lightening creams among the respondents was 20%. Most of the women (83.3%) preferred lighter skin tone, and 93.3% perceived light skin as a symbol of beauty, 65% as a sign of wealth and 23.3% as symbolizing power. Conclusions: Results from this survey provide a preliminary evidential entry point for health promotion interventions in a potentially influential subgroup of society.
International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2019
Background: Skin-lightening (SL) products are common, especially in Africa. Adverse effects from these products represent a public health concern. Use of these products in Somaliland is unknown. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of use of SL products among female health science students, beliefs about these products and practices, and adverse effects experienced. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of female health science students at Amoud University in Borama, Somaliland. Results: Of the 400 students who were invited to participate, 265 completed the survey (response rate: 66%). Mean participant age was 21.1 years (standard deviation: 2.0 years). The majority of students were single (91.2%) with a Fitzpatrick skin type of 3 or darker (94.2%). Past or present use of SL products was reported by 25.6% of participants, and 52.2% admitted to current use. Compared with non-users, more SL product users agreed that lighter skin color gives a woman more confidence, helps a woman have better job opportunities, and increases chances of getting married. They also agreed that advertisements on television for SL products influence a women's preference for a lighter skin tone (p < .05). More than 60% of participants were unsure what active ingredients were in their SL products. Only 9% denied any undesirable adverse effects, and the remainder reported an array of local and systemic adverse effects. The vast majority realize that SL products may cause undesirable local (92%) and systemic (89%) adverse effects. Limitations: Generalizability is limited because a nonrandomized convenience sample from one university was studied. Response bias also may have skewed results. Conclusion: Use of SL products among female health science students in Somaliland is common, and causes cutaneous and systemic adverse reactions. Use appears influenced by beliefs about the benefits of lighter skin color. Education is needed on the proper use of these products, how to avoid harmful products, and how to prevent complications.
Skin-lightening practices among female high school students in Ghana
Public health, 2018
The practice of skin lightening (SL) persist despite warnings about its harmful health effects. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable and at risk of prolonged use of SL products. We explored SL practices among high school students in Ghana, West Africa. Cross-sectional survey. We used a self-administered questionnaire in a survey on SL practices among randomly selected female students in five Senior High Schools in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. We determined prevalence and used bivariate and multivariate analysis to identify factors associated with the practice. A total of 410 students with a mean age of 17.6 years (±1.6) participated in the study. While 71.5% of students indicated that they had been approached by relatives and friends to use SL creams, 65.6% admitted to actually using it. Most (85.5%) students identified at least five friends who were using SL products at the time of the survey. Between 22.0% and 44.0% of students knew female teachers who practiced SL. Student...
Understanding the Rationale behind Skin lightening amongst Nigerians – challenges and repercussion
2019
Year 2019 Pages 60 The purpose of this thesis is to enable us understanding the rationale behind skin lightening amongst Nigerians in the light of its challenges and repercussion. Skin lightening literally put, is the practice of chemically distorting the colour of the skin through inhibition of the natural process of pigmentation. The practice calls for urgency taking into cognizance the extend young ladies have invested to purportedly achieve their ideal body image for reasons such as aesthetic preferences, finding a partner, career prospect, social statues, self-confidence and many more underlying characteristics as we shall examine in this thesis. Most ladies are ignorant of the repercussion this practice may have on their overall wellbeing and that of their family while some knowingly undermine the health risk associated with skin lightening; in as much as they achieve their mark. In the course of our report, we hope to examine the various frontages that have directly and indirectly influence this practice amongst women of Nigerian origin while proffering solutions emanating from drafted State legislations, change of attitude and mentality, campaigns, education along with others. The empirical data was gathered through qualitative methods while the interview which was conducted amongst Nigerian women both in Nigeria and Finland and was semi-structured in context. This thesis was conducted based on the recommendation of the staffs and services users of The Association of Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, ASWHAN. ASWHAN is the umbrella organization that devotes its energy to support women living with HIV/AIDS. The staffs comprising nurses, social workers and a psychology were keen in understanding the motive behind skin lightening amongst Nigerian women. Only a handful of research has been conducted on the motivating factors that prompted such an enormous surge in the practice of skin lightening over the years. Recommendations for future research should include an in-depth analysis on the impact this practice may have had on the skin and general wellbeing of those consuming bleaching cream. Finally, the consequence of exposure of both children and unborn ones to these dangerous chemicals such as mercury, used in these products has been downplayed thereon worthy of further studies.
Use of skin-lightening products among selected urban communities in Accra, Ghana
International journal of dermatology, 2017
The practice of skin lightening has been reported from North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In literature, some prevalence rates exceed 50%, and both sexes are involved. Common agents used include hydroquinone, mercury, corticosteroids, and caustic agents. The agents are easily accessible and affordable with very little regulation. Cutaneous and systemic side effects occur but do not appear to be a deterrent, as the notion of light skin as a surrogate for beauty is strong. In Ghana, anecdotal reports of high bleaching rates among certain urban communities resulted in a study supported by the Food and Drugs Authority to determine various facets of this practice. A cross-sectional study among adults in selected urban fishing communities of Accra was undertaken. Consecutive cases were enrolled after written informed consent. A questionnaire was administered, followed by physical examination and clinical photographs. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Of the 555 p...
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023
The use of skin lightening agents (SLAs) is common among African females with black skin color. Although they usually contain harmful ingredients and can cause complications, their use remains to be a common practice. This study was conducted to assess the awareness, perception, and utilization of SLAs among females residing in Asmara, Eritrea. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study using a quantitative approach was conducted in representative samples of all beauty salons available in Asmara from May to July, 2021. The study participants were selected using two-stage stratified cluster sampling and data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression, at bivariate and multivariate level, were performed. Results: The study enrolled 721 females and 684 completed the study. The majority of the respondents had the perception that SLAs can make someone light colored (84.4%), look beautiful (67.8%), trendy and fashionable (55.0%), and white skin is more attractive than dark skin (58.8%). About two-thirds (64.2%) reported they had previously used SLAs, mainly influenced by friends (60.5%). Approximately 46% were current users, while 53.6% stopped it mainly due to adverse effects, fear of adverse effects and ineffectiveness. A total of 150 products including natural ingredients were mentioned being used to lighten the skin, and Aneeza, Natural face, and Betamethasone containing brands were among the top used products. The occurrence of at least one adverse effect due to the use of SLAs was 43.7%, while 66.5% were satisfied with the use of SLAs. Additionally, employment status and perception of SLAs were found to be determinants of being a current user. Conclusion: Utilization of SLAs, including products containing harmful or medicinal ingredients, was prevalent among the females of Asmara city. Thus, coordinated regulatory interventions are recommended to tackle unsafe practices and raise public awareness to promote the safe use of cosmetics.
2016
Skin-lightening is an aesthetic practice of global concern. By adopting a biopsycho-social approach, we consider the interplay between the biological, psychological and social factors that underpin the circulation and consumption of skin lighteners in South Africa. This paper reflects on biological aspects of skin lightening, interpersonal relationships, individual beliefs and expectations about the maintenance of health and well being that informs cosmetic practices. The paper seeks to examine claims made by historians (Thomas) and political philosophers and activists (Biko) that colonialism and apartheid in South Africa historically reinforced the use of skin lightening products in the country. The paper also investigates the role of media in staking out the boundaries of beauty. We argue that men and women practice skinlightening not only as a complex result of the internalization of global standards of beauty, but meshed with a national politics of race and colorism. Banning skin lightening products without understanding the biological effects but also the social forces that underlie their increased popularity will prove futile. Moreover, we must consider the immeasurable pleasures associated with lightening, and the feelings with achieving visibility in South Africa, a country that continues to wrestle with blackness.
Survey on skin-lightening practices and cosmetics in Kigali, Rwanda
International Journal of Dermatology, 2015
Background The use of skin-lightening (SL) cosmetics appears to be common throughout the world, especially among dark-skinned women from sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives The aims of this study were to evaluate the extent of the practice of SL in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, the motivations behind this practice and the complexity of the adverse effects observed.