Current Status and Perception of Acne Among Chinese Adolescents: A Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Acne is a common disease in adolescents, which may result in physical and psychological damage.Objective: This study was carried out to assess the current status and perceptions of adolescents toward acne in Beijing, China. Methods: A total of 858 students aged 12-18 years were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire to determine their perception of acne prevalence, treatment, and satisfaction of treatment. Results: The prevalence of acne in the sample was 54.7%. Adolescents obtained acne knowledge primarily from their parents (26.5%). 56.9% of adolescents were aware of acne; senior high school students were more aware of acne than junior high school students (p < 0.05). Only 35.2% of adolescents thought that they should go to the hospital for the treatment of acne; 16.8% actually did so, and 46.1% opted for no treatment. Junior high school students ignored treatment more often than did senior high school students (p < 0.05). Only 16.7% of students considered treatment to be effective. Conclusions: High acne prevalence existed in Chinese adolescents, but the number treated and efficacy of treatment were not satisfactory, which may be related to the poor perception of acne among this group.