<![CDATA[Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit that often occurs in adolescents. Various factors have been reported to be associated with the occurrence and characteristics of acne, including genetic factors, dietary patterns, psychological stress, skin care habits, and cosmetic use. However, the relationship between these factors and acne severity varies across populations. Objective: This study aimed to analyze factors associated with acne severity in grades X–XI students at Rantepao Christian High School, North Toraja Regency. Methods: This was an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 100 grades X–XI students selected using a total sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included information on family history of acne, consumption patterns of sweet foods and dairy products, stress levels, facial skin care habits, and cosmetic use. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Acne severity was assessed based on the number of acne lesions and categorized into several levels of severity through physical examination of the patients. Data analysis was performed using ordinal regression to evaluate the relationship between study variables and acne severity. Results: The distribution of acne severity showed that most respondents experienced mild acne (53%), followed by moderate acne (40%), and severe acne (7%). Bivariate analysis showed that consumption patterns of sweet foods and dairy products were associated with acne severity (p=0.002) and cosmetic use showed a significant association in the initial analysis (p=0.040). In multivariate ordinal regression analysis, consumption patterns of sweet foods and dairy products remained associated with acne severity (p=0.019), and stress levels showed an association in the multivariate model (p=0.027). Family history, facial skin care habits, and cosmetic use did not show a significant association after adjustment for variables in the analysis model. Conclusion: Several factors measured in this study showed an association with acne severity in the adolescent population studied.]]>
