The use of glutathione for whitening skin among UbonRatchathani University students according to the theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Introduction: The glutathione consumption for whitening skin gain popularity among university students according to the value of beauty and whiteness in Thai society. The objectives of this study were to investigate knowledge of glutathione and to apply the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict the use of glutathione product behavioral intention. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected in 4 classes during the first semester of academic year 2015 by a developed questionnaire according to TPB.  Descriptive statistics were used to report participants’characteristics and TPB constructs. Multiple linear regression were used to investigate the association between the use of glutathione product behavioral intention and 1) attitude towards behavior, 2) subjective norms concerning behavior, 3) perceived behavioral control, 4) knowledge, and 5) gender with the significant level (α) of 0.05. Results: Three hundred and sixty eight Ubon Ratchathani University students were willing to participate in this study. Most were female (82.9%).About one-third have ever used glutathione product (34.8%). They had average glutathione knowledge score as 5.0 ± 2.3 (mean ± SD) out of 10 points. Most obtained glutathione information via internet and TV (91.3% and 67.2% respectively). The application of TPB showed that the participants had medium attitude toward behavior, low subjective norms and medium perceive behavioral control. However, all three TPB constructs were significant factors to predict the use of glutathione for whitening skin behavioral intention (Model R2= 0.311). Analyzing gender as an additional factor indicated that gender also was a significant factor to predict Intention (Model R2= 0.324). Female had higher intention to use glutathione for whitening skin than male. Over all attitudes were the most significant construct variable to predict behavioral intention in this study. Conclusion: Findings suggested that two main strategies to promote good skin care behavior among university students should be the development of media literacy skill for consumer and the enforcement of advertising laws for glutathione products.