Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice regarding Glutathione Whitening Treatment among the general population in a cosmopolitan city of Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i2.3413Keywords:
Glutathione Whitening treatment, Skin tone, Skin lightening, Knowledge, AwarenessAbstract
Background Glutathione (GSH) Whitening Treatment has recently gained popularity as a cosmetic intervention to attain fairer skin tones. It is being used widely, especially, in urban areas where aesthetics clinics are administrating intravenous GSH as whole body whitening therapy.
Objective The objective of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the use of glutathione in Lahore, Pakistan.
Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 353 people of various age groups. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data using online Google platform. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 25, the categorical data was presented through frequency and percentages.
Results Among the 353 respondents, 44.5% (157) were aged 20 years or below while 42.5% (150) were between the ages of 21 and 30 years. 57.5% (203) were females and 36.9% (130) had a medium skin tone. 71.4% (252) of the respondents were familiar with the idea of GSH mainly through social media (59.9%; 151) or family and friends (53.2%; 134). Only 34.3% (121) had used GSH for skin lightening, most commonly in injectable form (83; 68.6%). Female gender and dark skin tone was significantly associated with use of GSH for skin lightening.
Conclusion Individuals with a dark skin and female gender were more likely to use GSH. However, more research is needed on the psychosocial factors driving GSH use. GSH-related social media content should be better monitored by the authorities and public health campaigns should encourage inclusive and healthier beauty standards.
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