Skin Lightening: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and the Motivations for its Use Among the Residents of Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos

Background: Skin lightening has become one of the strongest desires of Nigerian women and men, and its practice keeps increasing despite its numerous side effects. Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of skin lightening and the motivations for its use among the residents of Ikeja Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos State. Methods: A community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 296 residents of Ikeja LGA, Lagos state, using a multistage sampling technique and an electronic, self-administered questionnaire in the Google form format. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 25.92±6.15 years, with 64.0% being females, 75.0% being single, and 75.2% had at least, a tertiary education. Most (98%) respondents demonstrated a high awareness of skin lightening; 66.9% had good knowledge, while 72% had a positive attitude. About half (52.7%) of the respondents had used various skin-lightening products, while most (71.8%) claimed the main reason for their use was to treat skin disorders. Age, gender and educational level were significantly associated with the use of skin-lightening products (p = 0.001). Conclusion: There was relatively good knowledge and a positive attitude towards skin lightening but a fair practice. The commonest reason for using skin-lightening products was for self-treatment of skin disorders. Healthcare providers should provide extensive public enlightenment on the adverse effects of skin lightening.