Abstract
Objective: To determine factors that affect acne and psychosocial effects of acne on medical students.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic year of 2023 and included 220 MBBS students at Al-Nafees Medical College, Islamabad. Students of both gender of all five years of MBBS classes participated in the study. We used a structured, self-administered questionnaire.
Results: Out of 220 students, 99 (45%) were males and 121 (55%) females. The maximum frequency of acne was at 22 years of age. A total of 183 participants had acne, out of which 105 (57.4%) were females. The prevalence rate of acne was 83.2%. Acne was associated with stress in 77 (42.1%) participants. Most with acne 65 (35.5%) consumed chicken frequently,17 (9.3%) affected with acne drank less than 2 glass waters daily and 54 (51.4%) used cosmetics on daily basis. Among 105 acne affected females, 25 (23.8%) had excessive hair growth on face and 45 (42.8%) had menstrual flare up. Among acne-affected participants, 78 (42.6%) perceived stress due to acne. In 59 (32.2%) participants, acne affected their confidence level.
Conclusion: The prevalence rate of acne in medical students was 83.2%. Excessive use of cosmetics, decreased water intake and large portions of processed and farm chicken in diet were the leading modifiable factors that require attention. Of those suffering from severe acne, significant increase in stress levels was noted, which forms a vicious cycle, leading to further worsening of acne.

Key words: Acne, risk factors, medical students.