Acne Vulgaris Significantly Lowers the Self-Concept of Girls in Junior High School: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the self-concept level of female students with acne vulgaris in junior high school and the relevant influencing factors. Methods: A total of 598 students in Grade 7 at two junior high schools in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China were sampled by cluster sampling method, and divided into two groups: the acne group and the healthy control. Both groups were surveyed using a self-designed demographic questionnaire, and the self-concept level was determined using the six-dimensional Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSS). The differences were compared between two groups using Chi-square test, non-parametric test, and multiple regression analysis. Results: We released a total of 598 questionnaires, and 576 valid questionnaires were received, including 267 in the acne group and 309 in the healthy group. The subscale score of the popularity dimension of the PHCSS in the acne group (8.89 ± 1.780) was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (9.45 ± 1.78, P < 0.01). When only the girls were considered, compared with the healthy group, the acne group had a significantly lower total PHCSS score (58.72 ± 12.15 vs. 61.47 ± 11.14, P < 0.05) and significantly lower subscale scores for physical appearance and attributes (6.68 ± 3.26 vs. 7.97 ± 3.30, P < 0.05), happiness and satisfaction (7.70 ± 1.85 vs. 8.12 ± 1.47, P < 0.05), and popularity (8.69 ± 1.82 vs. 9.84 ± 1.67, P < 0.01). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed the girls’ relationship with their parents and classmates, and the paternal educational background showed a significantly impact on the self-consciousness of the acne girls. Conclusion: Acne vulgaris significantly lowers the self-concept of girls in junior high school. The factors influencing the PHCSS scores of girls with acne were the relationship with parents and classmates, and the paternal educational background.