Psychological Influence of Acne Vulgaris among Female Students of University of Poonch Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of acne vulgaris among female students at the University of Poonch, Rawalakot, and to evaluate its impact on their quality of life using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to August 2022, involving a total of 2000 female students. Out of these, 400 individuals were clinically diagnosed with acne vulgaris, indicating a prevalence rate of 20 %. The participants completed the DLQI questionnaire, which evaluates the psychological and social effects of dermatological conditions. The data obtained were analyzed to assess the influence of acne on various aspects of daily life, including social activities, emotional well-being, academic performance, clothing choices, and interpersonal relationships. Results revealed that 76 % of respondents reported itchy sores and painful skin, while 78.5 % felt embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance. Additionally, 64.75 % indicated that their acne affected their willingness to engage in shopping and social gatherings, and 59.25 % modified their clothing choices due to acne. The DLQI scores showed that 20 % of participants experienced an extremely large impact on their quality of life, 34 % a very large impact, 49 % a moderate impact, 12 % a low impact, and only 3 % reported no effect. These findings underscore the significant psychosocial burden of acne vulgaris among young women and highlight the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that include both medical management and psychological support. The DLQI proved to be an effective tool for quantifying the broader impacts of acne on individuals’ lives.