A cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of cosmetic use among 2nd-year medical undergraduate students in a tertiary care hospital

Background: As per schedule Y (Drugs and Cosmetics act 1940: Amended in 2016), cosmetics are defined as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.” Cosmetovigilance is a public health surveillance on cosmetic products with a public health objective. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of cosmetic use among 2-year undergraduate students in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: After approval from Institutional Ethics Committee and informed consent from the participants, a cross-sectional, semi-structured, prevalidated, and questionnaire-based study was conducted by the Department of Pharmacology, Guntur Medical College, Guntur, among 2-year undergraduate medical students. Results: Out of 250 participants, the response rate was 87%. Among them 61% were females. 54% of the participants were aware of the different ingredients of cosmetics. About 65% had knowledge about harmful ingredients. The ill effects of cosmetics were known only by 31%. Internet was the source of information for most students (60%). Only 30% of students agreed that cosmetics can cause skin reactions. About 50% of students convinced that the use of cosmetics can improve self-confidence. Majority of students (65%) shared information about cosmetic hazards occasionally. Rarely, very few participants (42%) had the habit of reading labels before buying them. Conclusion: Knowledge about cosmetics use was good among undergraduate medical students but the awareness regarding harmful effects was comparatively less. In the present scenario, as cosmetic use is more prevalent; hence, it is necessary to educate medical students about the risks of cosmetics.