Exploring Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for the Management of Acne Vulgaris Among University Students: Forms, Trends, and Information Sources
2025

Using Alternative Medicine for Acne Treatment Among University Students

Sample size: 367 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Taha Sari, Taha Manal, Zyoud Sa'ed H.

Primary Institution: An‐Najah National University

Hypothesis

What types and trends of complementary and alternative medicine are used for acne management among university students?

Conclusion

Many university students with acne use complementary and alternative medicine, often influenced by the internet and social media.

Supporting Evidence

  • 74.4% of participants reported having acne.
  • 59.7% of those with acne used complementary and alternative medicine.
  • 90.2% of CAM users preferred biological forms of treatment.
  • 44.8% of participants found information about CAM on the internet.
  • 48.5% believed their acne was not severe enough to seek professional help.

Takeaway

A lot of students with acne try natural remedies instead of going to the doctor, often because they think their acne isn't that bad.

Methodology

Cross-sectional study using clinical examination and a questionnaire among health sciences students.

Potential Biases

Potential reporting bias and recall bias due to self-reported questionnaires.

Limitations

Self-reported data may introduce bias, and the study's focus on one university limits generalizability.

Participant Demographics

367 participants, 68.9% female, mean age 20.5 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/jocd.16775

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