Perceptions and Practices of the Iranian Population regarding Skin Cancers: A Literature Review

Abstract

Despite being preventable, more than 15% of all cancer cases in Iran occur in the skin, making them the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the country. The purpose of this study is to gain an insight into the current skin cancer related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices among the Iranian population. A systematic computer based literature search was conducted using databases for articles published through April 2017. Research studies included those that measured skin cancer or sun protection related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in different Iranian population groups. Exclusion criteria for the articles included (1) irrelevant topics to the review article's aim, (2) articles that focused on the treatment of skin cancers instead of prevention practices, and (3) similar studies conducted on populations not indigenous to Iran. A total of 25 articles that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. Predominant data were collected via questionnaires. Skin cancer related knowledge varied from low to high across the studies. Moreover, there was a pattern of low perceived skin cancer susceptibility and severity. Overall, there was low usage of sun protection methods among the Iranian population. The findings of this study show that efforts to prevent skin cancer are needed. Education concerning the dangers of sun exposure as well as strategies used to prevent or lower the risk of developing skin cancer should be stressed.

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

“…16 Moreover, a study in Peru noted that women are more knowledgeable about sun protection than men (P 0.001), 17 a study carried out in Iran also concluded the same finding. 18 The current findings state that individuals above the age of 40 use sunscreens with higher SPF levels as compared to the other age groups. This is further supported by an affirmation that adults of older age were more likely to undertake preventative measures to protect themselves from harmful sun exposure.…”

“…This is further supported by an affirmation that adults of older age were more likely to undertake preventative measures to protect themselves from harmful sun exposure. 12,13,15 The present results revealed that 94.7% of female undergraduates use sunscreen, and that 70.2% use the optimal SPF value (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). This signifies that the level of knowledge is higher among female students than others, additionally, they are also more aware of the importance of appropriate sunscreen use.…”

“…16 Moreover, a study in Peru noted that women are more knowledgeable about sun protection than men (P ≤ 0.001), 17 a study carried out in Iran also concluded the same finding. 18…”

Sun protection behaviors among children aged 6−18 years old, the role of socioeconomic factors: A cross‐sectional study

“…This cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted at outpatient pediatric clinics in two different regions of the city (Imam Hossein Children's Hospital and Al‐Zahra Hospital), affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran during the summer of 2021. To calculate the sample size while considering a 95% confidence level ($${z}_{{\rm{\alpha }}}=1.96$$), sun‐protective behavior relative frequency of 68.8% ($$p=0.688$$), according to the study by Nahar et al 22 and a margin of error of 0.06 ($$d=0.06$$), a sample size ($$n$$) of 230 individuals was calculated using $$n=\left({z}_{{\rm{\alpha }}}^{2}\,p\,(1-p)\right)/{d}^{2}\,$$formula. The ethical committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences approved this study (Ethical code: IR.MUI.MED.REC.1400.012) in accordance with the latest version of the Helsinki Declaration.…”

“…This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at outpatient pediatric clinics in two different regions of the city (Imam Hossein Children's Hospital and Al-Zahra Hospital), affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran during the summer of 2021. To calculate the sample size while considering a 95% confidence level (z = 1.96 α ), sun-protective behavior relative frequency of 68.8% (p = 0.688), according to the study by Nahar et al 22 and a margin of error of 0.06 (d = 0.06), a sample size (n) of 230 individuals was calculated using ( )…”