Acne at Ayder Referral Hospital among Patients Attending Dermatologic Clinic, Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia, September 2014

Abstract

Background: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebceous units with a clinical picture which vary significantly from mild comedonal acne to fulminant systemic disease. Acne has a significant impact on appearance, causing psychosocial and emotional distress, and reducing quality of life of the affected patients. Acne distresses patients due to the fact that it mainly affects the face, being easily visible and constantly present in everyday life. So the aim of this study will be minimizing the gap on magnitude and factors associated with acne at Ayder Referral Hospital.Objectives: To assess the magnitude and factors associated with acne among patients attending dermatologic clinic at Ayder referral hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.Methods: An institutional based cross sectional study design and sequential convenience sampling technique was implemented at Ayder referral hospital dermatologic Unit until sample size (423) is fulfilled. A total sample size (402) of data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was done. Data was presented in the form of tables, graphs and numerical measures. Also it was interpreted by using odds ratio, confidence interval of 95% and p-value less than 0.05.Result: The magnitude of acne in ARH, dermatologic OPD was 19.4%. Mean age of patients with acne were 20.6(±4.6)yrs while the mean age at acne start were 17.56(±3.22)yrs. From total of 78 acne patients female accounts 41(52.6%), Urban resident 66(84%) and never married were 65(83.3%). Age (11-20yrs), urban resident, never married individuals, history of acne in the family and cosmetics use were statistically associated with acne on bivariate analysis while family history of acne (AOR7.72(2.99,19.88)CI95%), cosmetics use (AOR4.83(1.66,14.08),CI95%) and never married individuals (AOR2.68(1.04,6.91(CI95%) were significantly associated variables with acne on multivariate analysis.Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of acne in ARH was 19.4% and the associated factors were presence of acne in the family and use of cosmetic make-up. People should avoid use of cosmetics make-up without medical advice.