Knowledge, Attitude and Practices about Acne Vulgaris among Secondary School Female Students in Karbala City Center 2024

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases among teenagers and young adults, as it greatly affects the external appearance and psychological health of those affected. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to this problem due to the hormonal and psychological changes they experience during this critical stage of life. The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of female adolescent students toward acne in secondary schools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 female students in secondary schools in the Karbala governorate center from April to November 2024. Results: The study included females whose ages ranged from 15 to 19 years; the mean age was 16.87±1.1 years. About 61% of the participants suffered from acne. The study showed that 18.5% of participants had good knowledge, 59.2% had average knowledge, and 22.3% had poor knowledge. The majority of participants showed a neutral attitude and poor practices towards acne. The study indicated a statistically significant relationship between the mean knowledge score and age, educational level, and history of acne among the participants. It also indicated a statistically significant relationship between the mean attitude score and age and between the mean practice score and history of acne. Conclusions: The study results showed moderate levels of knowledge and positive attitudes, with weak acne management practices among high school students. These findings underscore the need for educational programs to enhance student understanding and encourage healthy practices.