ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EXCESSIVE SCREEN TIME AND FACIAL ACNE PREVALENCE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Jahanzaib  Ali; Aiman Zahra; Bilal Khan

Authors

Jahanzaib Ali LUMHS Jamshoro, Pakistan Author
Aiman Zahra NUST School of Health Sciences, Pakistan Author
Bilal Khan QHAMC Hospital, Nowshera, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Acne Vulgaris, Cross-Sectional Studies, Pakistan, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Screen Time, Students

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris represents a highly prevalent skin condition in young adult populations, with considerable impact on patient well-being. Emerging research points to modern lifestyle elements, including extensive use of digital screens, as possible factors influencing acne, though population-based studies are scarce, especially within South Asia.

Objective: To assess whether prolonged screen exposure is associated with higher prevalence and severity of facial acne among university students.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was implemented over a five-month period in Islamabad, involving 115 university students between 18 and 28 years of age. Participants completed a structured questionnaire detailing daily screen duration, sleep patterns, dietary habits, and stress levels. Clinical assessment of acne severity was conducted using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). Screen time exceeding six hours daily was classified as high exposure. Data were analyzed with the chi-square test, independent samples t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariable logistic regression, adopting a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of participants was 21.6 ± 2.1 years, with nearly equal gender distribution. The average daily screen time was 6.8 ± 2.3 hours. Acne prevalence was significantly higher in students with excessive screen exposure (68.3%) compared to those with lower screen time (43.6%). Mean GAGS scores were also elevated in the high screen-time group (20.8 ± 7.4 vs. 14.2 ± 6.1, p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis confirmed excessive screen time as an independent predictor of acne (OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.30–5.42), along with high stress (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.01–4.45).

Conclusion: Excessive screen exposure was significantly associated with increased prevalence and severity of acne among university students. These findings highlight the importance of considering digital lifestyle factors in acne assessment and preventive strategies for young adults.

Author Biographies

Jahanzaib Ali , LUMHS Jamshoro, Pakistan

MBBS Student, LUMHS Jamshoro, Pakistan
Aiman Zahra , NUST School of Health Sciences, Pakistan

MBBS Student, NUST School of Health Sciences, Pakistan
Bilal Khan , QHAMC Hospital, Nowshera, Pakistan

Resident Physician, QHAMC Hospital, Nowshera, Pakistan

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