Social Health Implications of Skin Bleaching Among Residents of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Complexion, beauty and good looks are yardsticks for defining social relationships, acceptance and approval in our society. This has lead old and young, rich and poor, male and female genders into changing their complexions, through bleaching. This research is both qualitative and quantitative, anchored on four research questions as follows: Why do people bleach their skin? How do people perceive those who bleach their skin? What are the health hazards of skin bleaching? Which gender bleaches more? Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used. The study used the mixed methods research design. Both primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed. Using the Yamane’s sample size determination technique, 204 respondents from age 15 and above were selected for the study. Questionnaires were administered on 165 respondents, who were both males and females, across the 13 Local Government Areas. In addition, purposive sampling was used to select 3 key informants from the 13 L.G.A’s for Key Informant Interview (KII), making a total of 39. The study was situated in 3 theories: Color, Rational Choice and Reasoned Action. Data was analyzed and findings revealed that skin bleaching has both negative and positive health implications on individuals and society, the female gender bleach more than their male counterparts, and those who do not engage in skin bleaching perceive those who bleach both negatively and positively. The study recommends health enlightenment programs on the health hazards of skin bleaching at Local, State and Federal Government levels by health personnel, Social Workers, Sociologists and Psychologist, to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and society.