WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Dr. Marwah Saeb Ghanim, Dr. Zaid Muayad Yassen and Dr. Qasim S. Alchalabi

ABSTRACT

Background: A chronic inflammatory skin condition known as acne vulgaris; it affects around 9.4% of people globally. Around 85% of male and female adolescents suffer from this disorder, which may continue into adulthood after puberty. Propionibacterium acnes, increased sebum production by androgens, inflammation, and blockage of the sebaceous follicles are some of the theories through explain acne. Aim of the study: To estimate the prevalence of acne vulgaris among medical students at the University of Mosul and to assess its patterns and contributing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study; was adopted to achieve the objectives of the study. Data was collected from the participants retrospectively using convenient sampling technique to assess the prevalence of acne vulgaris among College of Medicine students at the University of Mosul. the questionnaire was composed of five sections, section one was to cover socio-demographic parameters, section two was for skin details, section three was for acne risk factors, section four of acne distribution, and section five was for acne treatment and complications. Results: The study included 755 subjects, with acne prevalence being (76.82%), mean (±SD) age is 21.6 (±2.2) years, with 301 (40%) being males, and 454 (60%) being females. Subjects with acne were more likely to be female, have an oily or mixed skin type, have used soap for face wash, with positive family history of acne, have psychological upset, acne can worse with menses,( 53.9 %) have acne for more than one year, scar was reported among (47%) of the college of medicine students with the face was the predominant site of acne scar. Conclusions: Acne vulgaris can have multiple causes, and is sometimes unpredictable. It affects females mainly. Having oily skin is highly amenable to acne and develops scars. Using improper soap and skin cleanser may aggravate acne. Hereditary factors play a significant role in acne and acne scar appearance. Pustular and nodular variant types of acne are more likely to end in scar. Early treatment of acne vulgaris can improve the overall prognosis and prevent scar formation.