Acne-Related Quality of Life Among Female Adults of Different Races/Ethnicities

• Published in: Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association Vol. 7; no. 3; p. 154
• Main Authors: Gorelick, Joe, Daniels, Selena R, Kawata, Ariane K, Degboe, Arnold, Wilcox, Teresa K, Burk, Caroline T, Douse-Dean, Tracee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2015
• Subjects: Female; Survey; Acne; Observational Study; QoL
• ISSN: 1945-760X
• DOI: 10.1097/JDN.0000000000000129

Acne impairs quality of life, but its effect on different races/ethnicities is unclear. This study evaluated racial/ethnic differences in acne-related quality of life and psychological symptoms among female adults. A Web-based survey was conducted with U.S. female adults (25-45 years old) with facial acne (≥25 visible lesions). Outcomes included sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, acne-related quality of life (Acne-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire), psychological symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), and work/school productivity. Racial/ethnic differences were evaluated using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance/chi-square analyses. Three-hundred twelve subjects (Black = 30.8%, Hispanic = 17.6%, Asian/other = 17.3%, White = 34.3%) completed the survey (mean age = 35.3 ± 5.9 years). Acne negatively impacted quality of life for all subjects. Black subjects reported significantly less negative impact on self-perception versus Asian/other (Black = 12.6 ± 9.9, Asian/other = 8.4 ± 8.6; = .05). Social functioning was less negatively impacted in White and Black subjects versus Asian/other (White = 12.7 ± 7.5, Asian/other = 8.4 ± 7.8, < .05; Black = 12.1 ± 9.2, Asian/other = 8.4 ± 7.8, = .06). Over one third (total sample = 40.7%, Black = 31.3%, Hispanic = 36.4%, Asian/other = 50.0%, White = 46.7%) reported moderate/severe anxiety/depression symptoms. Acne also impacted ability to concentrate on work/school. Racial/ethnic differences were observed in acne-related quality of life and psychological symptoms in female adults; acne negatively impacted self-perceptions and social/emotional functioning.