Perceptions of Female State Civil Servants in Selected States of Southeast Nigeria on the Effectiveness and Safety of Organic vs. Conventional Skin Lightening Products

This study examines the viewpoints of women state civil servants in some Southeast states of Nigeria on the efficacy and safety of organic versus conventional skin bleaching products. In Nigeria, particularly among women, skin lightening procedures are extremely common and are mostly prevalent as a result of societal standards and beauty ideals that endorse lighter skin. The study was designed as a survey. The study population comprised all female state civil servants in different ministries, departments, and agencies in the selected state of the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. (67,738). A sample of 622 respondents was selected from this population using Krejcie and Morgan for different population ranges. Questionnaires were personally administered to 622 female state civil servants. But 609 of the questionnaires were recovered. The theoretical framework for the study is rooted in Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), which emphasizes the role of cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences on decision-making. Major findings indicate that despite organic products being perceived as more effective and safer, conventional products are used more widely by the female state civil servants. The study concludes that female state civil servants in Southeast Nigeria prioritize safety in their use of skin-lightening products, with organic products seen as safer but less effective, while conventional products are favoured for their higher effectiveness despite safety concerns.