The misuse of clobetasol propionate 0.05% based products as skin lightening agents among Sudanese women

Abstract EN

Despite the social, pathological, physiological, and psychological effects that topical corticosteroids (TCs) present, it has become a widespread practice among Sudanese women.

This cross-sectional study involving the three localities of Khartoum state assessed the perceived risks and reasons behind the use of TC among Sudanese women.

data was collected from 217 women using a validated self-administered questionnaire with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.773.

the data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially.

findings showed that 151 (69.6%) of respondents had used at least one clobetasol propionate 0.05% based product,22 (14.6%) of them used very potent TC for >6 months.

67(44.4%) have a negative perception of its risks and consequences.

the reasons behind why clobetasol propionate 0.05% based product were superior is that: it has a very rapid result (54.2%), low price point (35.5%) and no prescription needed (10.3%), while the main motives for commencement were engagement\wedding\graduation party,33 (21.3%) to satisfy the community beauty standards and 49 (31.6%) commence because of their low self-esteem due to their colored skin [self-satisfaction].

there was a significant difference in the perception of the risks of skin bleaching based on institutional affiliations (t=3.57, p=.000).

this study concluded that the misuse of very potent TC was very prevalent among the studied population and that the participants had a negative perception of its risks and consequences.