Abstract

The act skin lightening is widespread around the globe, particularly in countries formerly colonized by Europe or with a significant U.S. presence. Throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America, skin-bleaching is a common practice as people try to acquire lighter skin and the social and economic status that goes with it. Skin bleaching practice in the society is a phenomenon that raises attention of people from all spheres of life. The practice has always been reported among adult members of the society in the past but the trend has changed with the involvement of larger number of (especially) female adolescent group. In view of this background, this study analyzes the perception of female secondary school students on skin bleaching practice in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State. To address the problem of study, three research questions were raised. The researcher adopted a survey research design. A total of one hundred and seven (107) respondents comprised the target of the study. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), frequency tables and percentages (%) were employed in the data analysis. It was discovered that most of the respondents in the study area stated that skin bleaching is used to treat abnormal skin hyper-pigmentation such as melasma,

eczema or acne and the removal of pimples, rashes. Most of the respondents are aware that skin bleaching has health effect and causes skin irritation, acne, eczema, itching and skin peeling, skin rashes, skin discoloration and scarring, as well as a reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections. Suggestion was made on the need to carry out enlightenment campaigns and sensitization programmes on the effect of skin bleaching.

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1    Background of the Study     - -    -    --    -    -   -      -       -     -      -    -    - 1
1.2    Statement of the Problem     -   -    -    -   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -   -   -   -   -  - 3
1.3    Research Questions     -   -    -   - - - - - - - - -----------------------------------5
1.4    Objectives of the Study   ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 5  
1.5    Significance of the Study     ------------------------------------------------------5
1.6    Scope of the Study ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
1.7    Research Methodology-----------------------------------------------------------6

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL

2.1 Introduction     -    --    -    - ----------------------------------------------------------8 

  2.2 Literature Review-    -    -   -    -    -    -   -    -    -  -   -    -   -   -   -   -  -  -  -  -  -  -- ----  8

2. 2. 1 The Determinants of the Choice of Skin Bleaching --------------------12
2.2.3 The Prevalence of Those Whom the Practice of Skin

         Bleaching Has Become Hazardous to Their Health    --  --------------------26

2.3    Theoretical Framework     -    -    --    -    --   -    -   -   -  -  -  -  -  -  - - - -  29 

2.3.1     Social Learning Theory-    -        -    -   -    -    - ---- -- ----- ------ ------ ---- ------29

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1    Introduction    --    -    -    -    -   -   -     -   -    -   -   -   -   -   -   -  - -- ----  33

 3.2     Location of the Study     -   -    -    -   -    -    -   -                                                             33                

3.3    Population of Study    -   -    -    -   -    -    -     -    -    -     - - - - - - -  - --  -   - - -  - 35                              


3.4 Sampling Technique and Sampling Size   -    -    -  -    -   -  -  - - ---  -   -  -  -   35
3.5    Method of Data Collection     -  -    -    -   -    -    -     -    -    -   -    -   -    -     -   - 36
3.5    Methods of Data Analysis     - -    -    - -    -    -  -    -   -    -   -   -   -   - - 37
3.6    Problems Encountered in the Field     -   -    -    -   -    -      -   -   -   -   -  -     37
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1    Introduction     - -    -    -       -   -    -    -    -      -      -       -      -     -     -      -      -    38
4.2    Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents     -    -  -    -   -  38
4.3    Determinants of the choice of skin bleaching        -    -    -  - - -    -   -   - - 40

4.4    Awareness on the health risks associated with skin bleaching-   --        44

4.5    Prevalence of those whom the practice of skin bleaching
       hasbecome hazardous to their health   -  -   -   -   -  -  -  -  -  -  - -  49
.6    Discussion of Major findings     -- --      -    -     -      -    -   -  - -    -    -  53

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1    Summary of Findings    --    -    -     -      -     -     -     -    -    -   -   - - 60                       
5.2    Conclusion     -   -    -   -     -   -    -   -   -   -   -   -  -  -  - -  - -    - -    63
5.3    Recommendations     - -    -    -     -    - -     -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -  63
            References    -    -  -    -    -   -    -    -   -    -  -    -    -   -    -    -   -   -  -     65
               Appendices     -    -  -    -  -    -    -   -    -    -   -    -  -    -    - -    -   -  -  - 72