Assessment of Prevalence, Awareness and Practices Regarding Cosmetics Harmful Effects among Saudi Female University Students of Albaha; Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Cosmetics are defined by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority as any material or preparation designed to come into contact with various external body parts (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips, and external genital organs) or with the oral cavity's teeth and mucous membranes for a variety of purposes, such as cleansing, perfuming, altering their appearance and/or keeping them in a good condition.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence, level of awareness, and practices regarding cosmetics harmful hazards among Saudi female University Students of Albaha; Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: This was a descriptive study intended to assess the prevalence, awareness and practice of Saudi female students of Albaha University. Systematic sampling methods were used to pick from each college, the predetermined sample size was taken, accordingly systematic random sampling was used to recruit 410 female students from medical and none medical colleges. Medical students at the latter level of their study were excluded from the study. Information was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire which was constructed to explore respondents’ awareness and practice toward using cosmetics.

Results: A total of 410 respondents were enrolled in the study with a respondent rate of 93.2%, most of the respondents (62.4%) were none medical, and (37.6%) medical students. The prevalence of cosmetics use among our respondents is (97.8%), (82%) of them are between the age of 18 and 20 years and (76.3%) were unmarried. Most of the respondents (77.8%) used cosmetics daily while (20%) used to apply them sometimes or on need. Facial cosmetics, lipstick, and eye make-up as a group is the most commonly used cosmetics (64.9%) followed by skin lightening products (14.4%). 69% have an average level of knowledge concerning cosmetics adverse effects; (23%) have knowledge level and only (8%) having a good level of knowledge. A very significant proportion (37%) had experienced at least one side effect. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most commonly seen adverse effect affecting (38.8%) of the study population; followed by acne (27%) and allergic contact dermatitis (18.4%). Perfumes, deodorants, body lotions and creams by far the most common cosmetics products causing adverse effects (52.4%); followed by Facial cosmetics, lipstick and eye make-up in 143 (34.9%).

Conclusion: A high prevalence rate of cosmetic use among Albaha university female students. Unfortunately, only 8% of them have good knowledge about the harmful effects of cosmetics. A very significant proportion was experienced at least one cosmetics-related side effect. This study concludes that cosmetics health-related hazard awareness among our respondents was not satisfactory and therefore needs a special consideration on cosmetic use-related safety concerns through awareness programs to raise their awareness.

Recommendation: More researches should be directed to determine levels of knowledge and awareness towards cosmetic usage and its health hazards and safety measures. We recommended that a well-structured health education program should be done including lectures, workshops, campaigns and mass media orientation to increase the awareness level and educate the students about the hazardous effects of commonly used cosmetics.