title: Beliefs, perceptions and psychosocial impact of acne amongst Singaporean students in tertiary institutions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition which can have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey was distributed among students at tertiary institutions. Data was collected on participants' own rating of acne grade and how acne affected their social life. A clinician on-site graded the participants' acne.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 429 students who participated in the survey, 59.8 % felt embarrassed or self-conscious because of their acne. There was a low but statistically significant correlation (Spearman's Correlation Coefficient = 0.471, p < 0.001) between participants' and clinicians' grading of acne.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acne vulgaris causes a considerable amount of psychosocial stress. There are unfounded beliefs surrounding acne and unawareness of treatment options available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Peiqi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Derrick
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chen Wee Aw
authors.forename: Siew Hui
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Matthias Paul
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Han Sim Toh
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011584:Psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult