Introduction: The incidence of melanoma has been increasing worldwide. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds are the major risk factors for the development of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Excessive UV exposure during childhood and adolescence increases the probablity of skin cancer in adulthood. The objective of this study was to analyze the exposure to artificial UV radiation using sunbeds among Belgrade high scool students. Material and Methods: The study was conducted using a questionnaire among 549 3 rd and 4 th grade students in 4 Belgrade high schools. The questionnaire included 10 questions on the sunbed use, attitudes, and general knowledge about effects of UV radiation from sunbeds. Statistical analysis assessed the frequency rate and relative frequency as methods of descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 39% of participants had used a sunbed at least once, and 38% plan on using it in the future. When asked at what age they first used a sunbed, 45.66% of high school students stated that it was at the age of 13 or 14. Most adolescents have used a sunbed less than 5 times (38%), whereas 8% of them used it over 30 times. Conclusion: The awareness of the risks associated with UV exposure in sunbeds is not at a satisfying level among Belgrade high school students. Educational and legislative measures are necessary to protect this highly sensitive population and prevent malignant consequences.

Background The incidence of melanoma has been increasing worldwide. Extended UV exposure during childhood or adolescence significantly increases the probability of skin cancer in adulthood. Objective The objective of this study was to analyse knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding exposure to natural and artificial UV radiation among Belgrade high school students. Methods The study was conducted using a questionnaire among 549 students of 3rd and 4th grade (17 and 18 years of age) in four Belgrade high schools. The questionnaire had 32 questions: questions about gender, date and month of birth and parents’ education, nine questions regarding sunbed use, nine questions regarding behaviour in the sun during summer months, four questions regarding personal and family history and skin phototype and seven questions regarding attitude and general knowledge about effects of UV radiation. Assessment of frequency rate and relative numbers was used as methods of descriptive statistics. Results As many as 39% of participants had used a sunbed at least once, 38% plan on using it in the future. One quarter spends more than 3 hours in the sun on the beach during summer without any protection, and only one‐third of participants had not experienced sunburn during last summer. Only one‐half of students know what melanoma is, while 37% stated that they do not know. Conclusion General awareness of risk factors regarding sun exposure as well as general knowledge about melanoma is not on a high level among Belgrade high school students. Therefore, besides legislative measures, it is extremely important to conduct adequate education programmes in high schools.