Acne in a School Setting: Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects, andStudents Attitudes

Authors

  • Fatoumata Biro Diallo Assistant Head of Clinic Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasserniversity of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea Author
  • Mohamed Maciré Soumah Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guine Author
  • Thierno Mamadou Tounkara Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea Author
  • Issiagha Camara Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea Author
  • Fanta Kaba Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea Author
  • Kanté Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guine Author
  • Mamadou Dioulde Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea Author
  • Cecile Augustine Gbanhala 2Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea Author
  • Mariame Toure Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea Author
  • Mohamed Cisse Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JDMRS/2026(7)186

Keywords:

Acne, Student, Adolescent, Conakry

Abstract

Background: Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous follicle, particularly common during adolescence, a period marked bysignificant hormonal and psychosocial changes. In West Africa, and more specifically in Guinea, epidemiological data on acne among schoolchildrenremain limited.

Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of acne and the attitudes of students towards acne in schools in Conakry

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from April 10 to June 5, 2023, in public and privatesecondary schools in the five communes of Conakry. Data were collected using a self-administered, anonymous, and pre-tested questionnaire. Statisticalanalysis was performed using R software, version 4.2.1.

Results: A total of 501 students were included in the study. The prevalence of acne was 92%, mainly affecting adolescents aged 18 to 22 years, witha slight female predominance. The lesions were mostly mild in severity. Nearly 73% of the students reported discomfort related to acne. The use of dermatological care remained low, while self-medication was common.

Conclusion: Acne is extremely common among adolescents attending school in Conakry and constitutes a significant dermatological and psychosocialhealth problem. The low rate of access to specialized care highlights the need to strengthen awareness campaigns in schools and improve access todermatological services.

Author Biographies

  • Fatoumata Biro Diallo, Assistant Head of Clinic Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasserniversity of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea

    Diallo Fatoumata Biro, Assistant Head of Clinic Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasserniversity of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea

  • Mohamed Maciré Soumah, Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guine

    Mohamed Maciré Soumah,Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guine

  • Thierno Mamadou Tounkara, Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea

    Thierno Mamadou Tounkara,Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea

  • Issiagha Camara, Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

    Issiagha Camara,Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

  • Fanta Kaba, Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

    Fanta Kaba,Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

  • Kanté, Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guine

    Kanté,Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guine

  • Mamadou Dioulde, Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

    Mamadou Dioulde,Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

  • Cecile Augustine Gbanhala, 2Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea

    Cecile Augustine Gbanhala,Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea

  • Mariame Toure, Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

    Mariame Toure,Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

  • Mohamed Cisse, Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

    Mohamed Cisse,Department of Dermatology-STDs, Donka Day Hospital, Donka University Hospital, Conakry, Guinea

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Published

2026-03-30

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2026): Voulume 7 Issue 3

Section

Articles