| Prevalence of Acne in Aruba: A Retrospective Study |
| Paper ID : 1166-IGA |
| Authors |
|
Nuris Lampe *, Jag Mohan Majhi Dermatoloog Kliniek Dr N.M.Lampe |
| Abstract |
| Background and Aim: Acne is a common skin condition affecting individuals from adolescence into adulthood, impacting quality of life. Regional data in the Caribbean, particularly Aruba, are limited. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of acne among dermatology patients in Aruba and analyze its distribution across age and gender. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records from a dermatology clinic in Aruba from 2008 to 2022, encompassing 24,443 patients. Acne prevalence was calculated overall and stratified by age groups and gender. Statistical analyses included calculation of the median age at diagnosis and assessment of gender and age-based prevalence differences. Results: The overall prevalence of acne was 10.94%, with 2,675 patients diagnosed. Females accounted for 1,788 cases (7.32% of total patients), and males for 874 cases (3.58%), yielding a gender ratio of 0.49. Although females had a higher prevalence, this difference was not statistically significant. The median age at diagnosis was 20.78 years. The highest prevalence occurred in the 15–19 age group, with 857 patients (3.51%), followed by the 20–24 age group, with 732 patients (3.00%). Notably, 676 patients aged 25 years and older were diagnosed with acne, representing 2.77% of the total patient population, indicating that acne significantly affects adults as well. Yearly trends in acne diagnoses showed minor fluctuations without significant variation. Conclusion: Acne is prevalent among dermatology patients in Aruba, affecting a substantial number of adolescents and adults. The findings highlight that acne is not confined to adolescence, with significant cases persisting into adulthood. The absence of statistically significant differences across gender suggests that acne is a widespread concern affecting both males and females equally. These results underscore the need for public health initiatives, patient education, and further research to improve acne management in the region. |
| Keywords |
| Acne, Prevalence, Epidemiology, Age Distribution |
| Status: Accepted |
