TITLE:
Factors Associated with Voluntary Cosmetic Depigmentation in Schools in the Collines Department (Benin)
AUTHORS:
Bayédjè Evrard Koutchoro, Georgia Damien Barikissou, Coovi Nonwanou Ignace Tokpanoude, Elvire Sègnon Eurydice Djossou, Idohou Olakounlé Sarafath, Christiane Koudoukpo, Aguemon Badirou
KEYWORDS:
Voluntary Depigmentation, Cosmetic Depigmentation, Factors Associated, Students, Collines Department, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications,
Vol.14 No.2,
June
19,
2024
ABSTRACT: Skin depigmentation is a worrying practice that is gaining popularity, particularly among young girls. However, this practice poses health risks. It also reflects a negative view of black skin color. This was a cross-sectional study carried out between April and May 2023 which involved 1039 female students from schools and universities in the Collines department selected by stratified sampling. Data was collected during a face-to-face interview using a questionnaire providing information on the demographic, socio-cultural, and economic characteristics of the girls. The depigmentation products used were identified as well as the complications caused by the use of these products. Statistical analysis made it possible to calculate the frequencies and logistic regression made it possible to identify the factors associated with depigmentation. The prevalence of depigmentation among the girls surveyed was 78.2%. The main products used were soaps based on mercurial derivative and hydroquinone (21.6%) and lotions based on hydroquinone and corticosteroids (75.7%). The factors associated with the practice of depigmentation were the ethnicity of the respondents (OR = 2.52; 95% CI = [0.47 - 13.33], p = 0.001); the average monthly income of the parents (OR = 3.26; 95% CI = [1.71 - 6.09], p = 0.003); the opinion of the respondents on depigmentation (OR = 2.48; 95% CI = [0.84 - 7.3], p