The use of skin-lightening products is linked to psychological distress among Filipinos

The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s top consumers of beauty products. There have been few studies on the psychological aspects of skin-lightening product (SLP) consumption in the Philippines. Hence, we investigated the association between knowledge of, perception towards, and frequency of use of SLPs and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) levels among Filipino emerging adults. Using convenience sampling, a cross-sectional online survey collected data from Filipino emerging adults (18 to 29 years old) residing in the Philippines. Associations between knowledge, perception, and use of SLPs and psychological distress levels were estimated using generalized linear models with Poisson log-link function, adjusted for confounding factors. Effect estimates were expressed as adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). We recruited 3,127 participants (67% female; Mage =20.91, SD =2.97). High perceived benefit of SLP use is associated with increased depression levels (aPR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.07–1.37). In addition, a high frequency of SLP use is related to decreased depression levels (20–24%) and increased anxiety levels (11–18%). Lastly, once-a-week use of SLP is linked with reduced stress levels among the participants by 35% (aPR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.49–0.86). We conclude that perceptions and frequency of SLP use are suggested to be associated with psychological distress levels among Filipino emerging adults.

Authors: Zypher Jude G. Regencia ( Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila | Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila), Jean-Philippe Gouin (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Concordia University), Mary Ann J. Ladia (Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Manila, Manila | Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila), Jaime C. Montoya (Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila), Margaret Gamalo (Global Product Development-I&I Statistics, Global Biometrics & Data Management, Pfizer Innovative Health) and Emmanuel S. Baja (Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila | Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila)

Read the full paper: https://jphe.amegroups.org/article/view/9809