title: [Economic impact of skin-lightening products on household income in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Senegal].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the use of skin-lightening (or brightening or bleaching) products is widespread in Senegal (67%). Although the medical and social determinants of this phenomenon have been documented, its cost is poorly defined. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the economic effects of skin bleaching on women's income.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive survey was conducted in 2010 (October 7 to November 8) among women consulting for outpatient care at a reference dermatology clinic for complications related to use of skin-lightening products. We calculated the direct costs (products) and indirect costs (transportation costs, medical fees, dermatological treatment of complications). The social damage (pain and suffering and esthetics) was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study included 65 women; their mean age was 33 years and 26% had not attended school. In all, 52% were merchants, 29% housewives, 9% civil servants, and 5% students. The average duration of product use was 9 years, and the mean age at onset of use, 23 years. Most (80%) had a low income (<100,000 FCFA or US $204). The total monthly income of the 65 women in the study was 5,675,000 CFA (US $ 11,582). The total monthly cost of skin lightening for them was 1081,658 CFA (US $ 2207), that is, 19% of their total income. The esthetic harm was categorized as moderate by 20% and high by 22%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study opens perspectives for further studies of the intangible costs of skin bleaching and for increasing awareness of the complications and social damage induced.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine préventive et santé publique, université Cheikh-Anta-Diop de Dakar, BP 16390, Dakar Fann, Sénégal.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Diongue
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ndiaye
authors.forename: P-M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Douzima
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seck
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Seck
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Faye
authors.forename: M-C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Diagne
authors.forename: M-M-M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Leye
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Niang
authors.forename: A-D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Tal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D001505:Beauty Culture; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations
keywords: Senegal; depigmentation; economic; women