An exploratory study at NMTC, Berekum on the prevalence of skin bleaching among nursing and midwifery students of different age categories for both males and females

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the prevalence of skin bleaching at NMTC, Berekum among nursing and midwifery student of different age category for both males and females. A quota sampling technique and a simple random sampling method was used to collect in-depth information for the study. The sample population was obtained using a convenient sampling technique. A total of 50 students were sampled for the study. The data for the study was collected by administering the questionnaire to the participants. The study found that the majority (90%) of respondents had heard of skin bleaching before. Out of the total respondents who have heard of skin bleaching before (80%), heard from their family, and (12%) had their source of information from friends, and (8%) indicated they heard about skin bleaching from the media. The study recommended that there should be a ban by the government on skin bleaching agents, and again health care providers should give health education on the health risk of skin bleaching. This will go a long way in reducing incidents of false information that sometimes have devastating psycho-social effects on students with regards to skin bleaching. The study concluded that, skin bleaching has a high health risk on the individuals that practice it and hence, it should be discouraged.