Skin lightening practices, beliefs, and self-reported adverse effects among female health science students in Borama, Somaliland: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Skin-lightening (SL) products are common, especially in Africa. Adverse effects from these products represent a public health concern. Use of these products in Somaliland is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of use of SL products among female health science students, beliefs about these products and practices, and adverse effects experienced. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of female health science students at Amoud University in Borama, Somaliland. RESULTS: < .05). More than 60% of participants were unsure what active ingredients were in their SL products. Only 9% denied any undesirable adverse effects, and the remainder reported an array of local and systemic adverse effects. The vast majority realize that SL products may cause undesirable local (92%) and systemic (89%) adverse effects. LIMITATIONS: Generalizability is limited because a nonrandomized convenience sample from one university was studied. Response bias also may have skewed results. CONCLUSION: Use of SL products among female health science students in Somaliland is common, and causes cutaneous and systemic adverse reactions. Use appears influenced by beliefs about the benefits of lighter skin color. Education is needed on the proper use of these products, how to avoid harmful products, and how to prevent complications.