Knowledge, beliefs and perceptions of patients with acne attending skin clinics at National Hospital of Sri Lanka

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition with even more common misconceptions and beliefs. Objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of Sri Lankan acne patients about their understanding of acne pathogenesis, sources of information, and possible aggravating factors.

Study population consisted of all acne patients aged 15 -25 years attending dermatology clinics at National Hospital of Sri Lanka for the first time, from June 2003 to November 2003. Hundred and fifty five patients were studied during the period of six months.

In my study 64.5% of patients had waited for more than one year before seeking medical attention for acne. Most frequently used applications were herbal preparations, cleansers and lotions. Decision to take treatment was mainly self made. Information on acne was obtained primarily from newspapers, but most believed it to be inadequate. On analysis of beliefs and aggravating factors, diet was mentioned as most frequent single causative factor. Fifty four percent patients believed that acne was curable with an anticipated treatment duration of less than six months by majority. Majority of patients mentioned that acne has none or mild impact on relationship with family (73.4%), friends (63%), work (61.1%), or school activities (71.6%). We conclude that fair amount of acne patients have inadequate knowledge about acne. There is a need for accessible, accurate, community-based education targeting teenage population to minimize delay in starting treatment and to eliminate misconceptions.