Impact of Acne on the Quality of Life of Adolescents in the  Territory of the Northern and Southern Regions of Montenegro

Ana  Popovic; Milica Djurovic  Bojic; Milena  Djurovic; Milos  Bojic; Tanja  Pjescic

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i10.16721

Ana Popovic Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Milica Djurovic Bojic Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Milena Djurovic Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Milos Bojic Department of Plastic Surgery, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Tanja Pjescic Primary Health Care Center, Niksic, Montenegro

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i10.16721

Keywords: Acne; Quality of life; Adolescents; Montenegro

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease predominantly known as a disease of adolescents. We aimed to assess the quality of life of adolescents with acne in the territory of northern and southern regions of Montenegro.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024, in four secondary schools in the north and south of Montenegro with total number of 561 subjects. To assess the quality of life of adolescents with acne we used the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index and to measure acne-related disability we used The Cardiff Acne Disability Index.

Results: The average value of the total CDLQI score among adolescents from the northern region of Montenegro was 4.45±3.31, and 4.03±3.50 among southern region. The average value of the total CADI score among adolescents from the northern region of Montenegro was 3.56±1.77, and 3.50±1.98 among adolescents from the southern region. A statistically significantly higher mean value of sub scores in adolescents from the northern region compared to adolescents from the southern region existed in the domain of symptoms and feelings, vacation and treatment (P< 0.05). The regression analysis was also performed.

Conclusion: This study confirms the negative impact of acne on the quality of life of Montenegrin adolescents, especially those in the northern region. It is necessary to give more attention to the acne problems from doctors, and to increase awareness among adolescents and provide them early and the most effective therapy.