title: Impact of female acne on patterns of health care resource utilization.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Limited data are available on acne treatment patterns in females through their adult years.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate health care resource utilization (HRU) and treatment patterns in cohorts with and without the use of acne medication and predictors of use.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered to US females (25-45 years) with facial acne (≥ 25 visible lesions). Data collected included: sociodemographics and self-reported clinical characteristics, acne treatments, and health care professional (HCP) visits. Subject characteristics associated with medication use were examined by logistic regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Approximately half of the total sample (N=208, mean age: 35 ± 6) ever visited an HCP for acne and reported more over-the counter (OTC) medication use (51.0%) than prescription (Rx) medication use (15.4%). Subjects did not use medications daily, averaging from 12-18 days over the previous 4 weeks. Logistic regression showed that race and prior HCP visits for acne were significant predictors of medication use (P<.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adult females generally self-treated their acne using primarily OTC medications; however, poor compliance was observed for Rx and OTC. Race and prior HCP visits for acne were significant predictors of current medication use.
authors.forename: Hilary E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Ariane K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Kawata
authors.forename: Selena R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Daniels
authors.forename: Teresa K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Wilcox
authors.forename: Caroline T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Burk
authors.forename: Emil A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Tanghetti
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D055553:Prescription Drugs