Effectiveness of Utilizing Decision Aids for Selecting Safe Skincare Cosmetics

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of and satisfaction in using the Decision Aids for Selecting Safe Skincare Cosmetics (DA-SSCos) in Phayao consumers Methods: The research design was a pretest and posttest study. The study purposively sampled 30 consumers in Phayao who were more than 20 years old and, graduated at least junior high school, and had used skincare cosmetics (SC) for at least 3 months prior to the study participation. The subjects completed knowledge test on choosing safe SC and propensity in choosing SC before and after using the decision aids (DA). At the end of study, subjects completed the questionnaires on the preparation for decision making on SC and acceptability of the DA. Results: Twenty-three of subjects were females with median age at 22.5 years (interquartile range 22.00-26.25). Nineteen subjects graduated lower than bachelor’s degree. After using the DA, subjects had a significantly higher level of overall knowledge than that before DA use (before 2.93 ± 0.83 and after 3.67 ± 0.48 out of full score of 4, P < 0.01).  DA use significantly improved subjects’ knowledge in the examination of label elements (26.7% and 73.3%, P < 0.01) and management of adverse reactions following SC use (88.7% and 100%, P=0.04). Proportion of subjects with correct answers on SC selection was significantly greater after using DA. (56.67% and 76.67%, P=0.034). In addition, most subjects showed good to very good attitudes towards on the DA-SSCos in that it helped prepare for decision making before selecting SC (93.33%) and were satisfied with information presented in the DA. Conclusion: The DA-SSCos is effective in improving knowledge of safe SC selection and helping consumers choosing safe SC.