KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF SKIN BLEACHING AMONG ADOLEESCENTS IN KEFFI, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Skin bleaching (SB) is a common dermatological practice among Nigerian women. It is associated with skin damage and systemic disorders especially when agents containing ingredients such as mercury and steroids are used. It is important to curb the practice of skin bleaching to reduce the associated morbidity.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of SB among female adolescents in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study among female adolescents in secondary schools in Keffi between October and December 2021. Students who were attending the Traction Alopecia Prevention (TAP) training programme were interviewed using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire sought information on the knowledge, attitude and practice of skin bleaching. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 25.

Result: A total of 247 adolescents with a mean age of 15.39 ± 1.22 years completed the survey. The awareness of SB was high with 189 (76.5%) being aware of SB. A significant number (39.7%) believe that SB makes one look fashionable while 91 (36.8%) believe that it makes one look more beautiful. The practice of SB was reported by 27 (10.7%) students. The earliest age of onset of SB was 11 years.

Conclusion: The awareness of SB was high among the students. A significant number of adolescents believe that SB is fashionable. The practice of SB starts in early adolescence. Educational programmes targeted at adolescents will reduce the dangers associated with the practice of SB.

Keywords: Skin bleaching, adolescents