Knowledge and Awareness of Harmful Effects of Cosmetics among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Janani Y; Bharath K P; Balaji K; Sreenivasi P; Maria Francis Yuvaraj

doi:10.37022/wjcmpr.v8i2.416

Authors

Y Janani Department of Anatomy, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Padur, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
Bharath KP Department of Anatomy, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College and Hospital, Redhill, Chennai 600067, Tamil Nadu, India
K Balaji Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
P Sreenivasi Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
Yuvaraj Maria Francis Department of Anatomy, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Ashok Pillar Road, K.K. Nagar, Chennai - 600078, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Cosmetics are widely used among young adults, including medical students, who may not be fully aware of their potential adverse health effects. Adequate knowledge and awareness are essential for promoting safe cosmetic use and improving public health education. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of the harmful effects of cosmetics among medical students. A total of 520 medical students participated after providing informed consent. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, cosmetic use practices, awareness of harmful ingredients and health risks, and perceptions regarding natural versus synthetic cosmetic products. Among the participants, 354 (68.07%) reported regular cosmetic use, while only 214 (41.15%) consistently checked ingredient labels before purchasing cosmetic products. Awareness of harmful ingredients, including parabens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, varied significantly according to gender and year of study. Skin allergies were identified as a common health risk by 283 (54.42%) participants. Awareness was significantly associated with ingredient-checking behavior (p<0.01). Regression analysis identified age, year of study, and frequency of cosmetic use as significant predictors of knowledge. The findings indicate moderate awareness among medical students and emphasize the need to incorporate cosmetic safety education into the medical curriculum to encourage safer cosmetic practices.

Keywords:

Endocrine Disruptors, Health Knowledge, Medical Students, Surveys and Questionnaires, Toxicity

DOI

https://doi.org/10.37022/wjcmpr.v8i2.416

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