Questionnaire Study of Preferences in Acne Treatments among First-Year Students in Ubon Ratchathani University
Petchlada Achavanuntakul MD1, Nawat Oulansakoonchai MD1, Watana Phanpanich MD1, Parichart Wongsena MD1, Patcharee Phanpanich MD1, Thitima Indra MD1, Suriyong Plang-ngam MD1, Sutthini Tirat MD1, Nawinda Jiambunsri MD1, Suphot Chattinnakorn MD1, Chonlada Busayarat MD1, Puan Suthipinittharm MD1
Affiliation : 1 College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate the preference and cost of acne treatments among (cid:976)irst-year students in Ubon Ratchathani University.
Materials and Methods : Two thousand (cid:976)ifty-one (cid:976)irst-year students of various faculties in Ubon Ratchathani University were asked
to do a self-report questionnaire about acne and were examined by physicians to grade the severity of acne.
Results : The study population consisted of 1,427 (69.6%) females and 624 (30.4%) males. More than half had treated themselves
with over-the-counter remedies. The higher severity acne patients, both as evaluated by themselves or by a physician, tended to
seek medical attention. Monthly expenses for acne treatment averaged 300 baht. The cost would increase according to acne grade.
Conclusion : Almost half of the university students spent a portion of their monthly allowance treating acne, mostly with over-the-
counter remedies, which were inappropriately used in some cases. The more severe the acne, the more money they spent and the
more they sought medical treatment.
Keywords : Acne vulgaris, Treatment, Preference, Adolescent, Thai
