Evaluation of the relationship between acne frequency, clinical, sociodemographic findings and self-esteem in university students

In this study, acne frequency, the relationship between acne and clinical and sociodemographic variables, and self-esteem levels were evaluated in university students. A total of 940 volunteer students from various faculties of Eskişehir Osmangazi University were included between 26.01.2024 and 04.06.2024. Sociodemographic data including age, gender, place of birth, marital status, income level, university placement rankings, grade point average, smoking and alcohol use, dietary habits, physical activity, systemic disease, and medication use were recorded. Personal and family history of acne, age of onset, disease duration, treatment history, lesion localization, presence of scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) were documented. Acne severity was assessed using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA). Self-esteem levels were evaluated using the short form of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and quality of life was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Acne was identified in 59.9% of the participants. The frequency of acne was significantly higher in females compared to males. No significant association was found between acne presence and age group, BMI, place of birth, marital status, income level, university placement rankings, grade point average, smoking and alcohol use, diet, or physical activity. Lesions were most commonly localized on the cheeks. 57.7% of participants had previously received treatment, most commonly from dermatologists. Acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation were observed in 57.2% and 61.5% of participants, respectively. Self-esteem levels were lower in participants with acne scarring compared to those without. DLQI scores were significantly higher in participants with acne and in those with scarring. As acne severity increased, DLQI scores also increased. No significant relationship was found between self-esteem levels and the presence or severity of acne.