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Original Research ArticleAwareness, knowledge and behavior of medical personnel regarding skin cancer, sun-related hazards and sunscreen utilization at ABSTRACT Background: Worldwide, skin cancer is a major public health concern. It is a common malignancy in Saudi Arabia. The three most prevalent types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most common modifiable risk factor to lower the risk of the leading types of skin cancer. Practicing protective measures can aid in decreasing the risk of developing skin malignancies. Methods: Data collection took place at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This crosssectional study was conducted via a structured self-administered questionnaire among medical personnel. Results: The majority (81.9%) of the sample participants were Saudi citizens. Moreover, medical students of 4th year, 5th year and 6th year represented half of the sample. Mean±SD values for the knowledge, behavior, and awareness scores were 6.85±3.31, 8.57±5.00, and 17.75±7.05 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in mean awareness score for the various categories of demographic variables. One-way-ANOVA revealed statistically significant difference among the different job titles in terms of awareness score with a p value <0.001. Conclusions:The results of this study have shown that the knowledge regarding skin cancer and behavior towards sun exposure is inadequate. Therefore, increasing the knowledge in the form of awareness campaigns is highly recommended.

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Background Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used to manage many inflammatory skin conditions. Nevertheless, retinopathy continues to be its most significant adverse effect. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends baseline ophthalmologic screening in the first year of HCQ treatment. However, a recent study found an inadequate awareness of the recommendations. Furthermore, limited data are available regarding the implementation of the recommendations among dermatologists. Objective The aim of this study was to assess dermatologists’ adherence to recommendations pertaining to their current practice regarding HCQ toxicity detection. Methods A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed between February 2 and May 4, 2018, among members of the Saudi Society of Dermatology. The questionnaire comprised demographic-related questions and questions pertaining to each physician’s routine practice about the follow-up of HCQ-treated patients. Results A total of 76 dermatologists completed the questionnaire. We achieved a response rate of 62.54%. More than half (43/76, 56%) of the dermatologists were male. Furthermore, more than half (41/76, 53%) of them reported treating 1 to 3 patients with HCQ during the last year. Furthermore, two-thirds (47/76, 61%) of them reported screening patients before initiating HCQ treatment. Regarding follow-up recommendations, 59% (45/76) of dermatologists reported yearly after starting treatment for no-risk patients, whereas 94% (72/76) reported “yearly within 5 years of treatment” for at-risk patients. Data were considered significant at P<.05. All analyses were performed using SPSS, version 20 (IBM). Conclusions Dermatologists in Saudi Arabia are not well informed about some aspects of the latest recommendations regarding screening for HCQ toxicity in terms of tests, follow-up timing, cessation of the drug, and causative agents. Therefore, we recommend conducting more studies in Saudi Arabia to determine the adherence of more physicians to the AAO recommendations. Furthermore, patient education regarding HCQ toxicity and increased patient awareness are recommended for effective and safe HCQ use.

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