Perceived Stress, Anxiety and Self-Confidence among Adolescents and Adults with Acne Attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

This study examined perceived stress, anxiety and self-confidence among people with acne attending primary healthcare facilities in Multan, Pakistan, and whether stress differed by acne severity. In this cross-sectional study, 413 participants aged 10-35 years were recruited from Basic Health Units and Rural Health Centres by non-probability consecutive sampling. Perceived stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and acne severity with the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). Most participants were female (70.70%) and rural (81.84%). Acne was mild in 49.15%, moderate in 39.95% and severe in 10.90%. Moderate or high perceived stress was reported by 92.01%, anxiety due to acne by 57.14% and at least mild loss of confidence by 73.37%; 31.00% avoided social gatherings. Perceived stress was not significantly associated with acne severity (p = .497). Psychological burden was high regardless of clinical severity. Brief psychosocial screening and supportive counselling should be integrated into primary care acne management.