Abstract

Background: Skin-lightening products (SLPs) are widely used across the Arab world, driven by deep-rooted sociocultural ideals of beauty, yet knowledge-practice gaps and associated health risks remain insufficiently studied in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 residents of Jazan aged ≥18 years using a validated Arabic-language online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: The overall prevalence of SLP use was 43.6% (95% CI: 38.8%-48.4%), and triple-mixture use was reported by 17.1% of participants. Female sex was the strongest independent predictor of SLP use (OR = 3.336; 95% CI: 1.917-5.805; p < 0.001), with 62.0% of females versus 24.6% of males reporting use. The most common indication was the treating spots or pigmentation (80.9%). About 64.0% did not know about health risks of high-potency ingredients, and only 11.9% felt that there were satisfactory levels of community health education. Other significant factors were personal interest in skin lightening (OR = 2.634), awareness of health risks (OR = 2.114), and the belief that fair skin offers better social and marital opportunities (OR = 1.863).
Conclusion: The widespread use of skin lightening practices in Jazan is rooted in high levels of knowledge gaps and attitudinal and gender issues, and there is an urgent need to raise awareness, enforce regulations, and provide culturally appropriate health education.

Key words: Attitude, cross-sectional studies, hydroquinone, knowledge, Saudi Arabia, skin lightening preparations, women's health