Awareness Levels of Possible Health Hazards Associated with the Wearing of Lipsticks among Female Students at University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

Abstract

It appears people find many reasons for applying various chemical preparations such as cosmetics to their body. This study explores the reasons why female students in University of Education, Winneba (UEW) wear lipsticks and whether or not they are aware of the presence of lead (Pb) in these products, and its possible health hazards. The participants (358) were all female students in the Faculty of Science Education from levels 100 to 600 and within age bracket of 18- 20 years to above 36 years. The study revealed that, the use of lipsticks among UEW female students was common with 74.86% ( n= 268) of the participants patronising the products and 25,14% (n=90) not utilizing the products on grounds of religious and personal principles. The main reason behind the wearing of lipstick among UEW female students was self-esteem, contrary to the perception that, lipsticks are worn by female students to attract the opposite sex. However, 81.56% (n=292) of the participants were unaware of the presence of lead in lipsticks. The 18.44% of participants who claimed to be aware of the presence of lead in lipsticks could not demonstrate a basic test to show that a given product contained lead. Only 2.23% (n=8) of the participants gave the correct test for the presence of lead in a given product, though none of the 8 participants could give an example of the health implications of lead in consumable products. A total of 95.81%, (n=343) of the participants have on idea about the test for the presence of lead in lipstick. Poor reading culture and lack of scientific literacy were suspected to be some of the reasons behind female students not knowing the possible health hazards associated with the wearing of lipsticks. Hence, a cosmetic producer in business today, scarcely receive a letter of complaint saying your product has cause damage to my body.

Keywords: Cosmetic, Lipstick, Winneba, Health, Hazard, University, Female, Lead.