Keywords

Acne, Female, Observational Study, QoL, Survey

 

Authors

  1. Gorelick, Joe
  2. Daniels, Selena R.
  3. Kawata, Ariane K.
  4. Degboe, Arnold
  5. Wilcox, Teresa K.
  6. Burk, Caroline T.
  7. Douse-Dean, Tracee

ABSTRACT:

Background: Acne impairs quality of life, but its effect on different races/ethnicities is unclear. This study evaluated racial/ethnic differences in acne-related quality of life and psychological symptoms among female adults.

 

Methods: A Web-based survey was conducted with U.S. female adults (25-45 years old) with facial acne (>=25 visible lesions). Outcomes included sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, acne-related quality of life (Acne-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire), psychological symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), and work/school productivity. Racial/ethnic differences were evaluated using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance/chi-square analyses.

 

Results: Three-hundred twelve subjects (Black = 30.8%, Hispanic = 17.6%, Asian/other = 17.3%, White = 34.3%) completed the survey (mean age = 35.3 +/- 5.9 years). Acne negatively impacted quality of life for all subjects. Black subjects reported significantly less negative impact on self-perception versus Asian/other (Black = 12.6 +/- 9.9, Asian/other = 8.4 +/- 8.6; p = .05). Social functioning was less negatively impacted in White and Black subjects versus Asian/other (White = 12.7 +/- 7.5, Asian/other = 8.4 +/- 7.8, p < .05; Black = 12.1 +/- 9.2, Asian/other = 8.4 +/- 7.8, p = .06). Over one third (total sample = 40.7%, Black = 31.3%, Hispanic = 36.4%, Asian/other = 50.0%, White = 46.7%) reported moderate/severe anxiety/depression symptoms. Acne also impacted ability to concentrate on work/school.

 

Conclusion: Racial/ethnic differences were observed in acne-related quality of life and psychological symptoms in female adults; acne negatively impacted self-perceptions and social/emotional functioning.