The global prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis

Abstract

Purpose: To estimate and investigate the global lifetime prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching.

Methods: A meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis was performed based on a systematic and comprehensive literature search conducted in Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest, PsycNET, PubMed, and other relevant websites and reference lists. A total of 68 studies (67,665 participants) providing original data on the lifetime prevalence of skin bleaching were included. Publication bias was corrected using the trim and fill procedure.

Results: The pooled (imputed) lifetime prevalence of skin bleaching was 27.7% (95% CI: 19.6-37.5, I² = 99.6, P < 0.01). The highest significant prevalences were associated with: males (28.0%), topical corticosteroid use (51.8%), Africa (27.1%), persons aged ≤30 years (55.9%), individuals with only primary school education (31.6%), urban or semiurban residents (74.9%), patients (21.3%), data from 2010-2017 (26.8%), dermatological evaluation and testing-based assessment (24.9%), random sampling methods (29.2%), and moderate quality studies (32.3%). The proportion of females in study samples was significantly related to skin bleaching prevalence.

Conclusion: Despite some limitations, our results indicate that the practice of skin bleaching is a serious global public health issue that should be addressed through appropriate public health interventions.