The Pattern of Use of Cosmetics and Awareness of Cosmetovigilance Among Medical Students in Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

With the increasing use of cosmetics, potential adverse effects such as allergic reactions and skin irritation warrant investigation. This study aims to assess cosmetic usage patterns, associated adverse effects, and awareness of cosmetovigilance among medical students. Despite the widespread use of cosmetics in India, region-specific data on adverse effects and cosmetovigilance awareness in Puducherry are limited. Given medical students' future roles in patient education, assessing their awareness is crucial. The study was conducted among medical students, who are expected to have a foundational understanding of the adverse effects of cosmetics due to their training in pharmacology and dermatology. However, their actual awareness of cosmetovigilance remains unclear, warranting this investigation.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among all MBBS students studying in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Puducherry. The questionnaire was reviewed by dermatologists and pharmacologists for face and content validity, and internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's alpha, which was found to be reliable (0.73). The pretested, content-validated questionnaire, which included demographic details of the participants, the nature and type of cosmetics used, adverse reactions (if any) experienced by them, and awareness of cosmetovigilance, was shared along with the informed consent form and participant information sheet via Google Forms. Responses were obtained from the participants.

RESULTS

Of the 600 eligible students, 246 participated, resulting in a response rate of 41%. The most commonly used cosmetics among participants were skin cleansing products, hair and scalp cleansing products, and tooth care products, respectively. Among the respondents, 71.4% (n=178) were aware that cosmetic products may cause adverse events, and 49.59% (n=122) had experienced adverse events following the use of cosmetics. Only 27.6% (n=68) of students were aware of the term cosmetovigilance. The majority became aware of the term through social media (17.5%, n=43). Among all participants, 42.2% (n=105) expressed willingness to report adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with the use of cosmetics in the future by filling out an ADR reporting form.

CONCLUSION

Given the low awareness of cosmetovigilance among medical students, integrating it into the medical curriculum is essential to enhance future healthcare professionals' role in patient safety. Future studies should focus on assessing reporting barriers, awareness gaps among dermatologists, and differences in knowledge between medical students and the general public.