Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40960259›Full record

ArticleJournal of cosmetic dermatology2025

Skin Lightening Practice and Its Cutaneous Effects Among Women in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Msangi Yesaya Francis, Eliaichi Minja, Magdalena Dennis, Grace Shayo

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Msangi Yesaya FrancisMuhimbili University of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4269-4668
Eliaichi MinjaMuhimbili University of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Magdalena DennisMuhimbili National Hospital, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7801-5518
Grace ShayoMuhimbili University of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundIndividuals who practice skin lightening (SL) may develop various skin conditions, including permanent hyperpigmentation. Despite these adverse effects, people often continue using SL products in an attempt to treat the resulting hyperpigmentation, thereby creating a vicious cycle. The burden of SL among women is unknown in Tanzania. STUDY

aimThis study aimed to describe the practice of SL and its cutaneous effects among adult women in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to January 2024, using multistage sampling to select households and participants. Consenting members from 611 households were interviewed and examined. SL was identified through self-reported use of dermo-cosmetic products, verification of ingredients, and evidence of skin changes. Chi square test and Poisson regression were used to assess factors associated with SL practice. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

resultsA total of 1192 women with a median (IQR) age of 32 (26-42) were recruited. About half (52.3%) were married, and 46% had attained primary-level education. The overall prevalence of SL was 54.5%, with significantly higher prevalence among front desk workers (19%, p < 0.048) and petty traders (11%, p < 0.03). The most frequently used lightening agents were kojic acid (50%) and hydroquinone (34%). The majority (82%) of women practiced SL for beautification purposes, while only 1.3% used it with a medical prescription. Recommendations from spouses, friends, relatives, and cosmetic vendors, as well as product branding, affordability, and advertising significantly increased the likelihood of practicing SL (all p < 0.05).

conclusionOne in every two women in Kinondoni District was using SL products. The practice was common among front desk workers and petty traders, often following recommendations from friends, relatives, or cosmetic vendors. Health education on the dangers of hazardous cosmetics, along with stricter regulatory control of these products, may help reduce their usage.

Indexed as

HyperpigmentationSkin Lightening PreparationsAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMiddle AgedPrevalenceSkin PigmentationTanzaniaSkin Lightening Preparations

Identifiers

PMID40960259
PMCPMC12442518

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.