Background: Skin bleaching and the use of hazardous and
potent substances have been linked to a range of adverse effects, from skin
diseases to serious systemic problems such as diabetes, hypertension and renal
diseases. Skin bleaching has become a public health concern, even though the
importation and marketing of skin-bleaching products are banned or strictly
regulated in many countries. Skin bleaching seems to have become common in
different communities across Nigeria. It appears that the local communities in
the northeastern region of Nigeria are seriously unaware of the possible risks
related to the usage of bleaching products. Aim: The purpose of the study was
to ascertain adults’ knowledge, beliefs, and practices of skin bleaching in
northeastern Nigeria.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study that
employed the multistage sampling procedure and the use of Statistical Product
and Service Solutions (SPSS) to analyze the data.
Results: It was found that skin bleaching was quite common
in northeastern Nigeria. Nearly half of the respondents were not aware of the
long-term hazards or negative consequences, as well as the ingredients in the
skin-bleaching agents. The respondents believed that the main reason why people
bleach their skin was to appear more appealing to catch their partners’
attention as well as to improve their social statuses. They also believed that
bleaching the skin improved their chances of getting suitors and jobs. The
primary motivation behind skin bleaching was to enhance one’s physical
attractiveness in order to capture the attention of their significant other.
Additionally, they thought that bleaching one's skin would raise one’s social
standing and bring luck in the form of potential mates or job opportunities.
The majority said that while darker complexion could be less beautiful than
lighter skin, but not necessarily inferior.
Conclusion: Despite the risks posed by ignorance and false
ideas, the use of skin bleaching products was found to be widespread among the
populations mostly because of a strong desire for attractive appearance,
attraction, and high social status.
Government agencies, partners, and other relevant
stakeholders along with the stakeholders among the local community members
including religious and traditional leaders should take steps to protect the
public from the menace of the skin-bleaching agents through legislation,
education and all other possible innovative means. Companies should consider
safety measures strictly in their productions.
Author(s) Details
Zara William Wudiri
Department of Community Medicine, University of Maiduguri,
Borno, Nigeria.
Mohammed Tahiru
Bolori
Department of Community Medicine, University of Maiduguri,
Borno, Nigeria.
Fatima Lawan Bukar
Department of Community Medicine, University of Maiduguri,
Borno, Nigeria.
Taofik Ademola
Oloyede
Department of Community Medicine, University of Maiduguri
Teaching Hospital, Borno, Nigeria.
Mary Olubisi Amodu
Department of Community Medicine, University of Maiduguri,
Borno, Nigeria.
Aisha Aliyu Abulfathi
Department of Community Medicine, University of Maiduguri,
Borno, Nigeria.
Usman Affan Haruna
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno,
Nigeria.
Aisha Ali Bakari
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno,
Nigeria.
Jesse Kwayas Isa’ac
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno,
Nigeria.
Haruna Musa Garba
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno,
Nigeria.
Babangida Ibrahim
College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Borno,
Nigeria
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/srnta/v6/2416
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