Prevalence of acne and its impact on the quality of life in high school-aged adolescents in Yazd, Iran

Objective: To assess the prevalence of acne and its impact on quality of life in high school aged adolescents in Yazd, Iran. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. High schools were selected using stratified cluster random sampling through two regions of Yazd. The acne severity was graded using Global Acne Grading System. The students with acne were then given self-reported Cardiff Acne Disability Index questionnaire. Results: Overall, the prevalence of acne was 85.9%. The disease was more common among females than males (90% vs. 81.4%). However, severe forms were more common among males (p=0.003). The acne prevalence did not increase with age (p=0.089). There was a correlation between acne vulgaris severity and Cardiff Acne Disability Index (p=0.001). The impact on quality of life increased with the acne severity. There was no association between Cardiff Acne Disability Index score and gender (p=0.185). Conclusion: Acne vulgaris is a common disorder and has a considerable impact on quality of life among adolescents.