Abstract:
Globally the use of SLP is on an increasing trend
which has led to a significant growth of the
cosmetic industry. However due to lack of
proper regulation amidst social and cultural
influences substandard SLP have found their way
in the market. The use of substandard SLP have
exposed women to mercury and corticosteroids
which impacts negatively on health. Therefore
the aim of this study was to investigate the rates
of usage of SLP among women of reproductive
age and the sociodemographic determinants. A
survey was conducted using a semi structured
questionnaire to collect data from 123 women of
reproductive age in Mogadishu. The study
employed a cross-sectional study design and
random sampling was used to identify the study
participants. The rate of usage of SLP among
women of reproductive age in Somalia was
75.6% which was significantly higher than the
global and continental rates. This basically
implies that a high number of women in Somalia
maybe exposed to mercury and corticosteroids
which are the major active ingredients in the SLP.
Sociodemographic factors that were significantly
associated with the usage of SLP among women
were age, marital status, level of education and
occupation. In Somalia there are no laws and
policies to govern the cosmetic industry and thus
the abuse of SLP is on an increasing trajectory. In
conclusion the Somalia government and
partners in health should engage in mass
sensitization on the negative impacts of SLP on
health.
