Acne-related quality of life and mental health in adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis

Shireen Dumont, Elsa Lorthe, Andrea Loizeau, Viviane Richard, Mayssam Nehme, Klara M Posfay-Barbe, Rémy P Barbe, Laurence Toutous Trellu, Silvia Stringhini, Idris Guessous, Roxane Dumont for the SEROCoV-KIDS study group.
Acne-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 19 October 2024, doi: 10.1093/ced/llae480.

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions in adolescent girls and boys worldwide. In addition to its physical manifestations, acne can leave psychological scars that are sometimes invisible.

Aims: We sought to examine the protective and risk factors associated with quality of life in relation to acne, as well as its association with mental health outcomes.

Methods: The analysis included data collected in 2023 from adolescents in the SEROCoV-KIDS population-based cohort. By combining the acne severity and acne-related quality of life (Acne-QoL) scales, three groups were established: Acne-LowAQoL (adolescents with acne and low acne-related quality of life), Acne-HighAQoL, and NoAcne-HighAQoL. We used multinomial and logistic regressions to assess the association between health behaviours, these groups and mental health outcomes.

Results: Among 335 adolescents (mean age 16.1 years [CE 1.8], 56% girls), 65 (19.4%) reported having acne while maintaining high acne-related quality of life, 26 (7.7%) reported having acne and low acne-related quality of life, and 244 (72.9%) reported having almost no acne. Low engagement in physical activity (aOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12-0.77), addictive use of social networks (aOR: 3.78, 95% CI: 1.60-8.96) and prolonged screen time (aOR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.26-7.08) were independently associated with Acne-LowAQoL. In contrast, those in the Acne-HighAQoL group reported higher social support (aOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.07-3.54). Adolescents with Acne-LowAQoL had lower levels of self-esteem and resilience, as well as increased psychological distress.

Conclusions: In adolescents with acne, physical activity and social support were positively associated with better quality of life in relation to acne, which translated into better mental health. On the other hand, screen time and the use of social networks considerably reduced this quality of life. Dermatologists should integrate these considerations into their clinical practice to ensure effective patient care.

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