Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Melasma among Medical College Students in Sulaymaniyah City: A Cross-Sectional Study
Ali Mozan Elethawi
Branch of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Sima Abdulrahman Hamaamin *
Branch of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Tablo Tofiq Mawlood
Branch of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Tavga Omar Qadir
Branch of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Melasma is a skin condition characterized by patches of brown discoloration that appear on sun-exposed areas, most commonly the face. Sun-light exposure and genetic predisposition are the two main causes of melasma.
Aim of this Study: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of melasma among medical students in Sulaymaniyah city and potential risk factors associated with its development.
Methods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted in Sulaymaniyah city using a questionnaire. The sampling method was non-random convenience sampling via a self-administrative questionnaire that consisted of 15 questions, answered by 502 students.
Results and Conclusion: A total of 502 participants answered a questionnaire, with the prevalence of melasma found to be 3.6%. The female-to-male ratio was 2:1, and a positive family history of melasma was reported in 55.6% of cases with melasma. Malar distribution was the most common pattern of melasma, and no significant correlation was found between melasma and sunlight expo-sure, thyroid disorders, or oral contraceptive pill use. However, a significant relationship was found between family history and the development of melasma, with a p-value of 0.034.
Keywords: Melasma, prevalence, family history, medical students, skin condition