Perception of stretch marks risk factors among adults in Saudi Arabia

Background: Stretch marks, or striae distensile, are a prevalent dermatological concern affecting a significant portion of the Saudi population. This study investigates the prevalence of stretch marks and associated risk factors, providing numerical insights into demographic, lifestyle, and health-related considerations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1,329 participants from diverse regions of Saudi Arabia. Data collectors facilitated the distribution of an e-questionnaire focusing on demographic characteristics, stretch mark features, risk factors, and comorbidities. Analyses employed descriptive statistics and inferential tests, emphasizing the prevalence of stretch marks and factors contributing to their development. Results: Among participants, 912 reported the presence of stretch marks, yielding a prevalence of 68.6% in the Saudi population. Demographically, 66.6% of individuals with stretch marks fell within the 15-25 age group, with 87.8% being female. White-colored stretch marks dominated (87.0%), primarily on the thighs (56.7%) and abdomen (44.2%). Risk factors included a family history of stretch marks (75.5%) and various comorbidities such as obesity (21.1%), hypertension (2.2%), and diabetes mellitus (2.3%). Pregnancy-related factors indicated an average of 0.67 pregnancies, with 34.5% reporting a family history of striae gravidarum. Moisturization during pregnancy was common (78.7%), with 75.7% noting improvement. Body mass index categories revealed that 45.9% of participants with stretch marks had a normal weight, 25.9% were overweight, and 17.5% were obese. Conclusion: This study presents numerical evidence of the high prevalence of stretch marks among the Saudi population and identifies key risk factors associated with their development. The multifaceted nature of stretch marks, encompassing demographic, genetic, and health-related factors, underscores the need for comprehensive preventive strategies.