Acne vulgaris, commonly known as acne, is a prevalent dermatological condition that affects a significant portion of the global population, particularly adolescents and young adults. It is characterized by the formation of comedones, papules, pustules and nodules, primarily occurring on the face, chest and back. In addition to its physical manifestations, acne can lead to scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often necessitating medical intervention. Despite being a common condition, the impact of acne on psychological well-being and quality of life should not be underestimated [1-3].

In the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, where healthcare services are continuously evolving, the knowledge and awareness about acne among medical officers play a pivotal role in the early diagnosis and management of this skin disorder. Medical officers hold a crucial position as the first point of contact for patients seeking healthcare and their awareness and knowledge about acne can significantly influence the management and outcomes of affected individuals.

Understanding the level of knowledge and awareness of acne among medical officers in this region is essential to identify potential gaps and develop targeted educational interventions to enhance patient care [4-7].

However, studies have highlighted deficiencies in the knowledge and awareness of acne among healthcare professionals, including MOs [8,9]. Such knowledge gaps may lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or inappropriate prescribing practices, potentially exacerbating the patient's condition and impacting their quality of life.

While many studies have explored the knowledge and awareness about acne among healthcare professionals in different parts of the world, limited research has been conducted in the context of Himachal Pradesh, India. This research article aims to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of acne among medical officers in Himachal Pradesh. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the level of knowledge and awareness about acne among Medical Officers in Himachal Pradesh to identify areas for improvement and to design targeted educational interventions. Evaluating their understanding of acne etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and available treatment options is essential in enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided to patients.

Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this research is to assess the level of awareness and knowledge regarding acne among Medical Officers (MOs) in Himachal Pradesh. Specific objectives include:

• To determine the overall awareness level of MOs about acne, its prevalence and impact on patients' quality of life

• To evaluate the understanding of MOs regarding the etiology, pathophysiology and clinical presentation of acne

• To assess the familiarity of MOs with the available treatment options for acne, including their potential benefits and side effects

• To identify any existing knowledge gaps related to acne management and prevention among MOs

Research Approach

This study follows a descriptive research approach to examine the awareness and knowledge of MOs regarding acne.

Research Design

A cross-sectional survey design will be employed to gather data from MOs working in Himachal Pradesh.

Study Area

The study will encompass the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.

Study Duration

Data collection will take place between January 2023 and March 2023.

Study Population

The target population comprises all Medical Officers who have been practicing in Himachal Pradesh for 12 months or more.

Sample Size

A sample size of 400 Medical Officers will be selected, considering a 50% assumed proportion of MOs with adequate knowledge about acne, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level and 5% non-response rate.

Study Tool

A structured questionnaire in the form of a Google Form will be used to collect data. The questionnaire will include sections on socio-demographic information, causes, effects and management of acne. The tool will be pre-tested on a small group of MOs to ensure clarity and relevance.

Description of Tool

• Demographic data survey instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, gender etc

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured questions regarding knowledge about Acne. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero in each category. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80% (16-20) = very good, 60-79%(12-15) = Good, 41-59% (8-11) = Fair, <40% (<8) = poor

Validity of Tool

The questionnaire will undergo validation by experts in the field to ensure its accuracy and relevance.

Data Collection

Data will be collected under the guidance of supervisors. The Google Form questionnaire will be distributed to Medical Officers across both rural and urban areas of Himachal Pradesh via online channels, such as email and social media platforms (WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn), until the desired sample size of 400 responses is attained.

Data Analysis

Collected data will be entered and cleaned in Microsoft Excel. Epi Info V7 Software will be utilized for data analysis, involving appropriate statistical tests to determine frequencies and percentages.

Ethical Considerations

Participants' confidentiality and anonymity will be strictly maintained throughout the study. The research will adhere to all ethical guidelines and obtain necessary permissions before data collection.

The goal of the current study was to assess the awareness and knowledge regarding Acne among the Medical Officers of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 400 Medical officers took part in the study, with 244 (61%) working in rural areas and 156 (39%) in urban areas. The majority's participants were 266 (66.5%) males while 134 (33.5%) were female (Table 1).

Table 1: Knowledge Regarding Acne Among Study Participants

Figure 1: Knowledge Towards Acne Among Study Participants

In the present study 23.5% (94) participants had very good knowledge 16-20 marks towards Acne, 39% (156) had good knowledge 12-15 marks, 24.25% (97) had fair knowledge 8-11 marks and 13.25% (53) having poor knowledge <8 marks (Figure 1).

The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness regarding acne among Medical Officers (MOs) in Himachal Pradesh. The findings revealed that there is a substantial variation in the level of knowledge among the participants. While a considerable proportion demonstrated good to very good knowledge 62.5%, a notable percentage still had fair to poor knowledge 37.5% concerning acne. These results indicate the presence of knowledge gaps that need to be addressed through targeted educational interventions.

Comparing these findings with other studies conducted in different regions, our results align with the existing literature. Similar studies conducted in various countries have also reported varying levels of knowledge among healthcare professionals, including MOs, regarding acne [8,9]. In some studies, participants demonstrated a sound understanding of acne etiology, pathophysiology and clinical presentation, while lacking sufficient awareness of treatment options and potential long-term consequences [8]. Our study's finding of a relatively high level of awareness of acne's clinical presentations and pathophysiology is consistent with these findings.

However, concerning acne management, the results highlight certain deficiencies in the participants' knowledge. A significant proportion of participants exhibited limited familiarity with the management approach for severe or refractory acne cases, including combination therapies. This finding is consistent with studies that reported healthcare professionals' lack of awareness about combining therapies to achieve better treatment outcomes [9]. To optimize patient care, it is crucial to address this knowledge gap and emphasize the importance of a comprehensive management approach, especially in challenging cases.

Furthermore, the study also identified a lack of awareness about hormonal therapy's rationale in specific cases of acne management. This finding is consistent with other research that emphasized the need for further education on the use of hormonal therapy, especially in adult women with acne [9]. Given the increasing prevalence of adult female acne, addressing this knowledge gap becomes essential for providing effective treatment to affected individuals.

The study participants demonstrated a relatively strong understanding of the importance of early intervention in acne management to prevent scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is a positive finding as early intervention is crucial in minimizing the long-term impact of acne on patients' well-being and appearance [10].

Overall, the study's findings underscore the importance of continuous medical education for MOs, particularly regarding the latest acne management guidelines and emerging treatment modalities. Improved knowledge and awareness of acne among MOs can lead to enhanced patient care, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, ultimately resulting in improved patient outcomes.

Limitations

This study is not without limitations. First, the cross-sectional design only provides a snapshot of the knowledge level at a specific time, without accounting for any changes that may occur over time. Secondly, the study's reliance on self-reported responses may introduce recall and social desirability biases, impacting the accuracy of data. Furthermore, the sample was limited to MOs in Himachal Pradesh, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other healthcare settings.

This study highlights the importance of assessing the knowledge and awareness about acne among MOs in Himachal Pradesh. While some participants demonstrated good knowledge, there were clear knowledge gaps that require targeted interventions. A comprehensive approach to medical education, including workshops and continuous training, could be instrumental in enhancing acne management and patient care outcomes. Future research should explore additional factors influencing knowledge levels and evaluate the impact of educational interventions on enhancing MOs' awareness and understanding of acne management.

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