A Lighter Generation: A Study of Skin Bleaching among the Ghanaian Youth.

Abstract

Skin bleaching is a practice that raises public health concerns due to its more serious side effects. The practice, especially among Ghanaian youths, has become a trend due to proliferation and accessibility of cosmetics products containing skin bleaching chemicals. This study explores skin bleaching by looking at the role played by the Food and Drugs Authority as a regulator, their communication of interventions and public perspectives on skin bleaching regulation. As an explorative study, it adopts a qualitative research design to get in-depth responses from respondents understanding, viewpoints and experiences. Purposeful and convenient sampling methods put together 17 participants with data collected through semi structure in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. Thematic analysis revealed that even though the FDA regulates cosmetic products including skin bleaching products, it does not regulate the skin bleaching practice. Findings of the study also reveal that a policy on skin bleaching together with other interventions such as public education is the sure way to control the practice.