Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Women About Adverse Effects of Cosmetics in Yazd City, Iran

Background: Cosmetics use is universal and Iran is the 3rd biggest user of cosmetic products among the Middle East countries. Using cosmetics can be associated with multiple adverse reactions from less severe local reactions to systemic reactions and serious complications. Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women in the city of Yazd about adverse effects of cosmetics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 women in the city of Yazd in 2011. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire for assessing participant’s knowledge, attitude, and practice. Data were tabulated and analyzed by SPSS, using descriptive analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results with a P value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean score of participants’ knowledge about using cosmetics was 5.95 ± 2.47 (ranging 0 to 14). The mean score of attitude and practice about using cosmetics were 31.80 ± 3.96 (ranging 21 to 40) and 12.92 ± 2.83 (ranging 4 to 18), respectively. There wasn’t a significant correlation between participants’ knowledge and practice, however, there was a positive significant correlation (P = 0.01, r = 0.248) between their knowledge and attitude. Results showed a positive statistically significant correlation between attitude and practice with age (r = 0.168 and 0.139, respectively). Conclusions: Women had low level of knowledge about adverse effects of cosmetics. Practice of women was also unfavorable. Therefore, there is a need to educate women about the possible risks of cosmetics through formal channels.