THE IMPACT OF ACNE - A STUDY OF ADOLESCENTS ATTITUDES, PERCEPTION ANDKNOWLEDGE

Aim. To assess adolescent students' attitudes to, perceptions and know ledge of acne and to assess the effect of acne on daily living. Method . Students from Auckland sixth and seventh form classes were selected from ten Auckland secondary schools using a randomisation process whic h ensured proportional representation by socioeconomic group and gende r. Eight hundred and forty-seven students completed a written question naire on the subject of acne vulgaris and had their acne examined. The ir acne was graded using a modification of the Leeds system which dete rmines severity on the basis of number, extent and nature of the skin lesions. Results. Acne was present in 91% of males and 79% of females. Students' perceptions of the severity of their acne were significantl y related to objective clinical assessment (p=0.00001). Severity of ac ne determined the extent of embarrassment (p<0.00001) and the lack of enjoyment of and participation in social activities (p<0.00002). These analyses were significant for both males and females. Students had mi sconceptions regarding the causes of acne. Parental occupation and eth nic group were related to knowledge of treatment for acne. Conclusion. Acne causes personal and social difficulties for a large number of ad olescent students. There is a need for all students to have access to appropriate information and health services so that the social and psy chological consequences of acne are minimised.