Association between stress and acne among patients visiting THQ Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi

Abstract

Background Acne vulgaris characterized by papules, pustules, nodules or comedones, rarely leading to abscess/ cysts is a common and chronic dermatological condition, which typically affects face, upper chest and back. Scarring/ psychological impact regardless of severity or grading of acne are among the complications of acne.1 Even mild acne may be significantly disabling having social and psychological effects including: lack of self-confidence, lack of social interactions with others, anxiety, even suicidal tendencies and depression. Acne and depression often occur together that’s why are correlated. It is often reported that acne flares are often triggered by stress including depression.2   Objective To find out the prevalence of acne and stress, the association between acne and stress and the effect of stress management in patients with acne visiting THQ Hospital Gujar Khan.   Methods Non Probability Sampling Technique “Consecutive Sampling†was used to collect the sample at Dermatology Out Patient Department at THQ Gujar Khan Rawalpindi by selecting individuals who came for their acne treatment who were 15 years/above and those with depression due to other reasons and pregnant or lactating mothers were excluded. The sample size calculated was 280 (JPS. Volume 13 No 1. May 2021). Global Acne Grading System was used to grade acne severity. Data collection was done by using a questionnaire “Perceived Stress Scaleâ€, where Independent variables were: age, gender, educational level, socioeconomic and marital status. Dependent variable was: stress.   Results Collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. After applying the tests, following results were obtained: Acne was more common in females of 18 years. Moderate stress is seen more commonly among patients who were single, went to college/ university, belonged to middle class families and there was significant association between acne and stress.   Conclusion Acne and stress are significantly correlated therefore patients with acne should also be assessed for the stress they are facing so that stress can be actively managed along with acne as an effective counseling will help in reducing the stress and number of visits among the sufferers. Psychologist, dermatologist, family members and teachers can provide a helping hand in counseling the sufferers, as proper guidance and management is needed in our society and is the right of each and every patient.