Knowledge, attitude, and practices toward sun exposure and use of sun protection among non-medical, female, university students in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Excessive unprotected sun exposure is a significant risk factor for skin damage and skin cancers. In recent decades, the incidence of skin cancer has increased dramatically worldwide, reaching epidemic proportions. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and the ninth most common malignancy in Saudi Arabia. Sun protection is a key primary preventive strategy against skin cancer and skin damage induced by sun exposure. Herein, a cross-sectional study was made to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward sun exposure, and the use of sun protection among non-medical female students on the Sulaymaniyah campus of the King Abdul-Aziz University. Also, we identified the reasons that prevented the students from using sun protection measures. A special-designed, self-administered questionnaire was applied on a sample size of 501 students. We found that most students were aware of the risks of unprotected sun exposure. Nevertheless, a view of sunscreen as harmful was reported (34.1%). Seeking shade and wearing protective clothing were the most used sun protection methods (58.1% and 43.1%, respectively). Sunscreen users made up only one third of our sample (23.6%). However, the majority of students (64.9%) did not know about the sun protection factor of sunscreen products. Discomfort felt on the skin was the most commonly reported reason for avoiding the use of sunscreen (40.7%). When comparing our study with Western studies, we found a high level of awareness among our sample of students. Significant differences in the attitude toward the application of suntan and sun protection products might be due to differences in cultural background. Our results spotted the need for future health education programs for our society that focus on the significant importance of sunscreen, as well as the correct methods of application.

Emirati Adults Have a Higher Overall Knowledge on Vitamin D Compared to Tourists

“…The countries that showed low awareness on vitamin D may also explain why these countries have a high percentage of vitamin D deficient population. On the other hand, similar data from the same countries showed that their population had very high awareness on vitamin D levels, and their results are in agreement with our data too (Alemu and Varnam, 2012;Zhou et al, 2016;Almuqati et al, 2019).…”

“…The lack of knowledge on vitamin D, calcium, and PA could be a potential risk factor for the development of non-communicable diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Data from United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait report mixed results on the lack of awareness and knowledge on vitamin D (Alemu and Varnam, 2012;Al-Mutairi et al, 2012;Salmanpour et al, 2016;Zhou et al, 2016;Alamoudi et al, 2019;Almuqati et al, 2019).…”

“I’ve Heard of It, Yes, but I Can’t Remember What Exactly It Was”—A Qualitative Study on Awareness, Knowledge, and Use of the UV Index

“…There are only a few previous studies that focused on pharmacists’ knowledge and counselling regarding sun protection, although two-thirds of pharmacists in Bavaria (Germany) stated that pharmacies are a particularly suitable place for information on skin cancer prevention [ 35 ]. A recent study showed that pharmacists’ advice can definitely play a role in customers’ choices regarding sunscreen products [ 36 ], however, studies in Arizona (USA) and Iran showed knowledge deficits among pharmacists [ 37 , 38 ]. The study in Arizona reported that about 30% of pharmacists felt uncomfortable counselling on sun safety when asked by customers [ 37 ].…”

Sun Exposure and Protection Practices of Spanish University Students of Education Sciences. Are Future Teachers Protected Against Skin Cancer and Other Adverse Effects?

“…Epidemiological studies, conducted elsewhere in Spain and also abroad, have confirmed the existence of high rates of sunburn among university students, regardless of their skin type [11], a vulnerability related to risky behaviour regarding sun exposure and protection [19][20][21][22][23][24]. These findings highlight the need to consider university students as a high-risk group for skin cancer and to design specific prevention strategies for this target group [18].…”