Prevalence and Self-Medicaton for Acne among Students of Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectonal Study
ABSTRACT
Objectves: To determine the prevalence of acne and assess self-medicaton practces among
male medical students at Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan.
Methods: A descriptve cross-sectonal study was conducted between March and September
2024 among 394 male medical students. A structured, self-administered questonnaire
collected data on sociodemographic characteristcs, acne history, lesion sites, self-medicaton
practces, knowledge, attudes, and sources of treatment informaton. Data were analyzed
using IBM SPSS Statstcs version 27, with descriptve statstcs presented as frequencies and
percentages.
Results: Of the partcipants, 42.4% (n=167) reported having acne. The most common lesion
site was the face (35.9%), followed by the face and back (23.4%). Among acne-positve
students, 43.7% (n=73) practced self-medicaton. Frequently used pharmacological agents
included topical/oral antbiotcs (34.2%), adapalene (21.9%), isotretnoin (20.5%), and azelaic
acid (19.2%). Common over-the-counter treatments were cleansers (42.5%), leave-on
products (17.8%), and mechanical treatments (13.7%). Main reasons for self-medicaton
included easy access to drugs (23.3%), perceived knowledge (21.9%), and lack of tme for
consultaton (19.2%). The internet (26.0%) and friends (21.9%) were the leading informaton
sources. Over half of respondents were aware of the correct dosage, drug acton, and adverse
effects, and most recognized the importance of dermatologist consultaton (61.6%) and followup (80.8%).
Conclusion: nearly half of affected students are engaging in self-medicaton, ofen with
antbiotcs and retnoids. These fndings underscore the need for stricter pharmaceutcal
regulaton, improved dermatological access, and targeted educatonal interventons to
promote safe acne management.
Keywords: acne vulgaris, self-medicaton, students, medical, ant-bacterial agents, Afghanistan
