﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE article PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD JATS (Z39.96) Journal Archiving and Interchange DTD v1.3 20210610//EN" "JATS-archivearticle1-3.dtd">
<article xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" article-type="research-article" xml:lang="en">
  <front>
    <journal-meta>
      <journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">scholix</journal-id>
      <journal-title-group><journal-title>Journal of International Medical and Health Sciences</journal-title></journal-title-group>
      <publisher><publisher-name>Scholix Publishers</publisher-name></publisher>
    </journal-meta>
    <article-meta>
      <article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">109</article-id>
      <article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.61148/JIMHS/prevalence-and-risk-factors-of-acne-vulgaris-among-university-students--a-cross-sectional-study</article-id>
      <title-group><article-title>Prevalence and Risk Factors of Acne Vulgaris Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study</article-title></title-group>
      <contrib-group>
        <contrib contrib-type="author"><name><string-name>Muhammad Waqar Mazhar</string-name></name></contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author"><name><string-name>MNSUAM</string-name></name></contrib>
      </contrib-group>
      <pub-date pub-type="epub">
        <day>13</day><month>10</month><year>2026</year>
      </pub-date>
      <volume>1</volume>
      <issue>1</issue>
      <fpage>1</fpage>
      <abstract><p>Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin problems in young people, and it has a big effect on their mental and social lives. The goal is to find out how common acne vulgaris is among college students and what risk factors are linked to it.
Methods: A structured questionnaire and clinical exam were used to do a cross-sectional study with 250 students.
Results: It was found in 68% of people who had acne vulgaris. High amounts of stress (p
&amp;lt; 0.001), eating a lot of oily foods (p = 0.002), and not getting enough sleep (p = 0.005) were all important risk factors.
Conclusion: Acne vulgaris is very common among college students and is strongly linked to living factors that can be changed.
Keywords: Acne vulgaris, dermatology, prevalence, risk factors
</p></abstract>
      <permissions>
        <copyright-statement>Copyright &#169; 2026 Scholix Publishers</copyright-statement>
        <license license-type="open-access" xlink:href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><license-p>This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.</license-p></license>
      </permissions>
    </article-meta>
  </front>
  <body><p>
Introduction

Acne vulgaris is an ongoing, multifactorial inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, predominantly impacting teenagers and young adults, however it may continue into later life stages [1]. It is clinically defined by a range of lesions, encompassing open and closed comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, primarily located on the face, chest, and back. Acne, with a global incidence affecting approximately 80–90% of teenagers, constitutes a major public health issue and significantly contributes to dermatological morbidity globally [2]. The pathophysiology of acne vulgaris is intricate and encompasses four principal processes: heightened sebum production induced by androgens, aberrant follicular keratinization resulting in comedone formation, colonization of the pilosebaceous unit by Cuti bacterium acnes, and ensuing inflammatory responses facilitated by both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms [3]. Recent advancements have underscored the significance of genetic predisposition, hormonal variations, and modifications in the skin microbiome in affecting disease susceptibility and severity [4]. Moreover, recent evidence indicates that systemic variables, like insulin resistance and high glycemic load diets, may intensify acne via hormonal and inflammatory mechanisms. Alongside biological variables, lifestyle and environmental factors have garnered heightened focus in recent years [5]. Psychological stress has been demonstrated to aggravate acne through neuroendocrine pathways, specifically via the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which can elevate sebum production and inflammatory reactions [6].


Likewise, dietary patterns—particularly elevated consumption of dairy products, fast foods, and high-glycemic-index diets—have been correlated with acne severity in numerous epidemiological studies. Sleep deprivation, sedentary behavior, and improper cosmetic application exacerbate acne, especially in university students who frequently endure erratic schedules and academic pressure [7]. Aside from its physical manifestations, acne vulgaris has significant psychosocial consequences. It has been persistently linked to diminished self-esteem, social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression, consequently substantially reducing quality of life. The psychological impact of acne can, in certain instances, be akin to that of chronic systemic diseases, highlighting the necessity for holistic management strategies that encompass both physical and mental health dimensions [8].

Despite the wide global literature on acne, there is a scarcity of region-specific data in developing nations, like Pakistan, where social, nutritional, and environmental factors may significantly differ from those in Western populations. University students constitute a notably susceptible demographic owing to heightened stress exposure, nutritional inconsistencies, and lifestyle alterations [9]. Nevertheless, few research have investigated the synergistic impact of these modifiable risk variables within this demographic. This study is to evaluate the prevalence of acne vulgaris and determine its associated lifestyle and behavioral risk factors among university students. This study aims to enhance the existing knowledge base by offering localized evidence and to aid in the formulation of tailored preventative strategies and educational interventions to alleviate the prevalence of acne among young adults.

Methodology

Study Design and Setting

A cross-sectional analytical investigation was performed during three months (January to March 2026) at a university campus in Pakistan. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of acne vulgaris and identify related lifestyle risk factors among university students.

Study Population and Sampling

The study population consisted of undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 to 30 years. A sample size of 250 individuals was determined utilizing standard prevalence estimation techniques, with a confidence level of 95%, a margin of error of 5%, and an anticipated prevalence of 50% owing to insufficient prior regional data. Participants were selected through a non-probability convenience sampling method from several academic fields.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Participants aged 18 to 30 years who consented to participate were included in the study. Individuals with chronic dermatological problems excluding acne (e.g., eczema, psoriasis), those undergoing systemic treatment for acne (e.g., isotretinoin, oral antibiotics), and those with recognized endocrine abnormalities impacting skin health were excluded to prevent confounding effects.

Data Collection Procedure

Data were gathered with a standardized, self-administered questionnaire created following an extensive examination of pertinent literature. The questionnaire comprised several sections, encompassing demographic variables (age, gender, academic year), lifestyle</p></body>
  <back><ref-list><title>References</title><p>References

1.Alsaadoon, N.S.J., A.M. Al-Refaie, and A.Y. Habashy, Acne vulgaris in adolescents: A comprehensive review. Benha Journal of Applied Sciences, 2024. 9(12): p. 5-13.

2.Gugulu?, D.L., et al., The epidemiology of acne in the current era: trends and clinical implications. Cosmetics, 2025. 12(3): p. 106.

3.Akl, E.M., et al., Etiopathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Benha Journal of Applied Sciences, 2024. 9(7): p. 7-10.

4.Olceroglu, B., G. Balci, and A. Kati, The Skin Microbiome and Its Implications for Maintaining Skin Health, in Phytochemical Potentials for Dermatological Applications. 2025, CRC Press. p. 76-103.

5.Schwingshackl, L., L.P. Hobl, and G. Hoffmann, Effects of low glycaemic index/low glycaemic load vs. high glycaemic index/high glycaemic load diets on overweight/obesity and associated risk factors in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition journal, 2015. 14(1): p. 87.

6.Jovi?, A., et al., The impact of psychological stress on acne. Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica, 2017. 25(2): p. 133-133.

7.Prakesh, U. and M. Abbas, The Rising Incidence of Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents: Lifestyle Factors and Preventive Strategies in Bangladesh. Scientific Journal of Dermatology and Venereology, 2025. 3(1): p. 54-66.

8.Dunn, L.K., J.L. O&amp;#39;Neill, and S.R. Feldman, Acne in adolescents: Quality of life, self-esteem, mood and psychological disorders. Dermatology online journal, 2011. 17(1).

9.Mistry, D., et al., A Multisectoral Study of Mpox Epidemiology, Resistance Surveillance, and Policy Gaps: Toward a One Health Framework. Clinical Reviews in Allergy &amp; Immunology, 2025. 68(1): p. 108.

10.Currie, D. and S. Wiesenberg, Promoting women&amp;#39;s health-seeking behavior: research and the empowerment of women. Health care for women international, 2003. 24(10):

p. 880-899.

11.Tripathy, K., et al., Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and Inflammatory Skin Disease. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2026. 15(1): p. 330.

12.Menge, J., How to Protect Your Skin from Stress &amp; Sleep Disruption.

13.Kunin, A., The DERMAdoctor skinstruction manual: The smart guide to healthy, beautiful skin and looking good at any Age. 2007: Simon and Schuster.
</p></ref-list></back>
</article>