SOCIAL MEDIA EXPOSURE AND SELF-TREATMENT BEHAVIOUR IN ACNE VULGARIS IN PRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstrak

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent dermatological conditions among individuals of productive age. The rapid growth of social media has significantly influenced how patients access health information, particularly regarding acne management. However, the quality and reliability of such information remain questionable, potentially leading to inappropriate self-treatment behavior. Objective: To evaluate the association between social media exposure and self-treatment behaviour among individuals of productive age with acne vulgaris. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using an online questionnaire. Social media exposure was assessed through engagement with dermatology-related content, while self-treatment behaviour included the use of over-the-counter products, home remedies, and treatments without medical consultation. Data were analysed using Spearman correlation and descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 33 respondents were included in this study. Approximately 27.3% of respondents stated that social media was their primary source of information regarding acne, while 42.4% were neutral toward this statement. Around 42.4% of respondents reported practising self-treatment for acne without consulting a doctor, including the use of non-prescribed medications and skincare products influenced by online content. Reliability analysis demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.811 for social media exposure and 0.782 for self-treatment behaviour. Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between social media exposure and self-treatment behaviour (r = 0.432; p = 0.012). Conclusion: Higher social media exposure was associated with increased self-treatment behaviour among individuals with acne vulgaris. Social media may influence patients to use acne treatments without medical consultation and rely on non-medical sources of information.