Italian Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Clinical Application of the ACNE-Q: Patient-Reported Outcome Measure in Mild-to-Moderate Facial Acne.

INTRODUCTION

Acne vulgaris (AV) is one of the most common dermatological conditions, affecting over 85% of adolescents and a wide range of young adults. Beyond its cosmetic impact, acne can cause significant psychological and quality of life (QoL) issues, highlighting the importance of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The primary aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Italian version of the ACNE-Q questionnaire, a disease-specific PROM for acne. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the ACNE-FREE protocol in patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne, using the validated Italian ACNE-Q.

METHODS

This prospective study involved 54 patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne treated with the ACNE-FREE protocol. The Italian translation and validation of ACNE-Q followed a rigorous process of forward translation, back-translation, review and patient interviews. Patients completed the ACNE-Q at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1), and after 6 months (T2). Outcome changes were analyzed with ANOVA test (Prism software).

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 25.04 ± 4.23 years, with 39 females and 11 males. All ACNE-Q scale scores demonstrated significant improvements over time, showing reductions in "Symptoms" and "Appearance-related distress" scores (p<0.05), indicating a decrease in symptoms and psychological impact. The "Facial Skin" scale showed an increase in scores, suggestive of clinical improvement. The data support the efficacy of the ACNE-FREE protocol in improving both clinical outcomes and patient QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACNE-Q is a reliable and valid tool for assessing patient-reported outcomes in Italian-speaking populations with acne. The ACNE-FREE treatment protocol yielded significant improvements in skin condition and psychosocial parameters, enhancing overall quality of life. An integrated approach addressing both physical symptoms and psychological well-being is essential for optimal acne management.

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