THE EFFECT OF ACNE ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND NERVOUS STATE OF IRAQI ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Background: As a psychosomatic condition, acne vulgaris (AV) has the potential to significantly impair the quality of life (QoL), psychological well-being, and self-esteem of Iraqi adolescents.

Objective: The goal of this study was to examine the extent to which acne affects the psychological and emotional well-being of Iraqi adolescents.

Methodology: A total of 88 adolescents with acne, aged between 10 and 20 years, were recruited for the study. All data were collected from the Dermatology Departments of different hospitals in Iraq between March 2022 and August 2023. A series of tests were conducted, including the measurement of acne severity using the GAGS, in addition to the administration of the DASS 21, RSES, CADI, DLQI, and WHOQoL tests. The impact of acne on the psychological and neurological status of Iraqi adolescents was demonstrated through the implementation of univariate analysis.

Findings: Our results found adolescents with age ≥ 15 years got 70.45%, which are the most class of patients with acne, symptoms were painful skin and itching with 22.73% and 15.91%), sleep hours (9 to 10) were 60.23%, and family history of acne got 37 cases. According to the GAGS scale, the severity of acne was divided into mild, < 18 lesions with 22 cases; moderate, 19 - 30 lesions with 30 cases; severe, ≥ 31 lesions with 36 cases. In terms of poor psychological status, depression with 22.73%, anxiety with 25%, and stress with 12.5%.

Conclusion: The findings of our study indicate that acne has a deleterious effect on the patient's self-esteem and quality of life, which is directly proportional to the severity of the condition.