Dying for Clear Skin: A Content Analysis of Acne Sufferers’ Beliefs Towards Isotretinoin

• In Event: ICA Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Poster Session: Health Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This research examined acne sufferers’ beliefs toward isotretinoin via health belief model lens. Using a simple random sampling and the keyword “isotretinoin,” messages posted on Acne.org (n= 379) and Reddit.com (n= 325) between March and October 2017 were analyzed. The results showed that the largest share of message postings on the selected discussion boards concerned perceived barriers of isotretinoin. This suggested that acne sufferers were able to realize side effects of the medication. However, the discussed side effects (i.e., dryness and initial breakouts) are not the most serious. Physicians should more address adverse effects of the medication (i.e., miscarriage and hepatitis) with patients. Significant differences across the two message boards regarding perceived susceptibility and benefits of isotretinoin, self-efficacy, and cues to action in the posted messages were also found. Type of message boards perhaps relates to discussion topics, and therefore interventionists may consider this relationship for more effective interventions.

Authors

• karikarn chansiri

• Thipkanok Wongphothiphan, U of Oregon