Impact of Acne on Quality of Life in Adolescents of Honduras: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Authors

  • Eleonora Espinoza-Turcios eleonora.espinoza@unah.edu.hn
    Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM), National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Mental Health Research Group, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7218-3481
  • Kathya Chinchilla-Castañeda Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM), National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Dermatology Service, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1938-3438
  • Carlos Antonio Sosa- Mendoza Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM), National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Honduran Institute for the Prevention of Alcoholism, Drug Addiction and Drug Dependency, Tegucigalpa, Honduras https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9599-4180
  • Lysien Ivania Zambrano Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Grupo de Investigación GRINVAR, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9002-5807
  • Henry Noel Castro-Ramos Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM), National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Mental Health Research Group, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Grupo de Investigación GRINVAR, Faculty of Medical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7679-6602
  • José Armada Medical Association for Research and Health Services, Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3827-6144
  • Christian R. Mejía Medical Association for Health Research and Services, Lima, Peru https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5940-7281

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5708/EJMH.21.2026.0057

Keywords:

acne vulgaris, adolescent, Honduras, quality of life, scar

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence represents a period of physical, psychological, and social changes that shape an individual’s personality, potentially influenced by their physical appearance due to shifts in adolescent skin texture. Those with dermatosis (alteration or disease that affects the skin), face an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

Aim: To assess differences in acne-related quality of life impact among adolescents according to demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study to identify the factors associated with the consequences of acne in adolescents. A total of 3,272 adolescents aged 12–17 years participated in this study. Participants were recruited using a non-probability snowball sampling strategy and completed a self-administered questionnaire through Google Forms, which included the Cardiff Acne Disability Index.

Results: Of the 3,272 participants, 60.0% (n = 1960) were female. Median age was 15 years. In terms of quality of life, 25.8% (n = 845) reported experiencing moderate to high adverse effects. Furthermore, 5.3% reported extremely low mood related to the appearance of their skin during the month preceding the survey. Multivariate analysis indicated that women were more likely to experience medium or high impacts from acne (aPR: 1.33; 95% CI [1.20–1.48]), as well as those of indigenous ethnicity (aPR: 1.36; 95% CI [1.05–1.75]) and those with facial scarring (aPR: 13.08; 95% CI [10.02–17.05]).

Conclusions: Females, member of an indigenous ethnic group, individuals with facial scarring, or those with a close relative suffering from acne all suggest medium or high impact on their quality of life.

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Published 2026-06-03

How to Cite

Espinoza-Turcios, E., Chinchilla-Castañeda, K., Sosa- Mendoza, C. A., Zambrano, L. I., Castro-Ramos, H. N., Armada, J., & Mejía, C. R. (2026). Impact of Acne on Quality of Life in Adolescents of Honduras: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study. European Journal of Mental Health, e0057, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.5708/EJMH.21.2026.0057
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