Prevalence and socio demographic factors associated with usage of skin lightening products among women of reproductive age in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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.