Awareness of pharmacists and consumers towards protective effects of sunscreens against skin cancer

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to assess the awareness level of individuals on the use of sunscreen products, and pharmacists’ perception of sunscreen safety. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Participants involved included 224 female undergraduates of Ajman University (aged 18-25 years old), 234 patients visiting numerous pharmacies, and 58 pharmacists from the private sector in Dubai. Questionnaires were designed and distributed to all participants. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS (Statistical Program for Social Sciences) version 20. Among female undergraduate students, 94.7% used sun protection, 81.1% understood what is meant by SPF (Sun Protection Factor) Value, and 70.2% used the optimal SPF (15-20). Additionally, 95.2% reported that sunscreens do not have any side effects. Out of the 234 patients who participated in the study, 86.8% used sun protection, 56.8% understood what is meant by SPF, and 43.2% used the optimal SPF. Furthermore, 93.2% stated that sunscreens do not have any side effects. Female patients were found to use sunscreens with higher SPF values (above 50) as compared to male patients (P ≤ 0.024). Patients above the age of 40 also used sunscreens with high SPF (P ≤ 0.001). As for pharmacists, they all agreed that sunscreens have a marked safety profile, with no side effects, and that the optimal SPF for use is 15-20. Most pharmacists (80%) reported that consumers are in fact aware and knowledgeable about the proper use and application of sunscreens. Optimal use of routine sunscreen is of paramount importance to prevent skin damage as well as cancer.

Evaluation of social knowledge on photoprotection and its relationship with education and age in a Polish seaside town during summer holidays

“…This is especially important since concerns about the potential harm of sunscreens can result in a reluctance to use them regularly. 14,18,26,34 In contrast to our study, research in the United Arab Emirates 20 showed that as many as 93.2% of respondents were aware of the absence of side effects associated with sunscreens. In a publication from Jordan in 2019, only 13% of respondents indicated that using sunscreens could be harmful.…”

“…As in our study, American studies from 2015, 22 2019, 30 and 2020 31 noted a low level of knowledge about sunscreen label indications or information regarding their effectiveness. In a 2021 study conducted in the United Arab Emirates, 20 only 56.8% of respondents declared understanding the term SPF and related issues. In a publication by G. Prado et al.…”

“…The same answer was also chosen by 23% of respondents in a study conducted in 2019 by C. Schneiderbanger et al 19 . and also 23.9% of respondents in the United Arab Emirates 20 . In US studies from 2019 21 and 2015, 22 respectively, 51.9% and 49.1% of respondents considered high protection (SPF) 50+ as a key feature in choosing a sunscreen 21 .…”

“…of respondents in the United Arab Emirates. 20 In US studies from 2019 21 and 2015, 22 respectively, 51.9% and 49.1% of respondents considered high protection (SPF) 50+ as a key feature in choosing a sunscreen. 21 Among Polish students surveyed in 2021, 6.1% of respondents used sunscreens with SPF >50.…”