Prevalence and motivations for use of skin lightening agents among undergraduate female students in Makerere University

Abstract

Background: The practice of skin lightening among the general population especially women is a major public health concern world-wide. The use of these skin lightening agents (SLAs) is associated with various dermatological or skin disorders and systemic adverse effects. Despite the official prohibition of all skin care products containing SLAs, the availability and use of these products is high and on an increase in Uganda. Objectives: To establish the prevalence and motivations for use of SLAs among female undergraduate students of Makerere University Methods and materials: We conducted a descriptive cross sectional study among a sample of 384 female undergraduate students selected by simple random sampling. An-online survey was done using self-administered questionnaire containing participants’ demographics, use and motivations for use of SLAs. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Prevalence of use of skin lightening agents among the participants was 28.1% (n=108). Most of the participants used SLAs for treating skin conditions like rashes, pimples, acne 69.4% (n=75); and 38.0% (n=41) used SLAs to look more beautiful/ attractive; and 7.4% (n=8) were curious about the effects of these agents. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done, and at multivariate analysis, participants from colleges offering purely science based programs were 38% less likely to use SLAs as compared to participants from colleges offering majorly arts programs: Odds ratio 0.62, 95% CI(0.393-0.982). Conclusion: The prevalence of use of SLAs among female undergraduate students of MAK is relatively high. The main motivations for use of these SLAs were treatment for skin conditions and the need to look more beautiful. Participants from colleges offering purely science based programs were 0.62 times less likely to use SLAs as compared to those from colleges offering majorly arts programs: Odds ratio 0.62, 95% CI(0.393-0.982).