THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE OF SKIN PROBLEMS CAUSED BY BLEACHING CHEMICALS IN SKIN PRODUCTS AMONG NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE

This study investigated the level of knowledge and awareness of skin problems caused by bleaching chemicals in skin products among Nnamdi Azikiwe University students Awka, Anambra State, the research design was descriptive survey research design, the population of the study was 40,000 students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University 25,000 is undergradute while 15,000 is for post graduate students. The sample and sampling techniques used was purposive sampling technique, the instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The method of data analysis used was mean. The finding of the study is to know the reason behind Nnamdi Azikiwe University students deciding to bleach there skin are multifaceted and can vary widely based on personal, cultural, societal and psychology factors. Secondly the findings states that students can become aware of policies related to skin bleaching products safely through various means such as educational campaign, university and health organization seminar, workshop, coursework, online resources, counseling services and peer education to educate students about the risk associated with skin bleaching products. Lastly the findings also states that the side effects of skin whitening agents can include irritation, thin and fragile skin, sensitivity to sunlight, mercury poisoning. The recommendation of the study is addressing the problem of skin whitening, should be the priority of the world health organization (WHO), government agencies and health ministers. The skin bleaching products flooding Nigeria market must be actively and thoroughly subjected to oversight by NAFDAC.