Background:
Excessive sun exposure is the major risk factor for skin cancer. Thus, sun
exposure behavior is the major focus for prevention of this disease, since
it is potentially modifiable. Increasing the knowledge on sun related habits
and other skin cancer risk factors is fundamental in the development of
preventive programs, especially when directed to young people.
Objectives:
To assess the photoprotection habits and the knowledge about skin cancer in
college students.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study from Oct. 16 to Feb. 17, including 371
students from the Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, through a
self-administered questionnaire.
Results:
The level of knowledge about skin cancer and photoprotection was
unsatisfactory in more than 10% of the students. The occurrence of sunburn
was extremely high among students, and 25% reported at least one episode of
second degree sunburn. Proper use of sunscreen was referred by only 34% of
individuals. Students who reported having received photo education in
college were associated with a more consistent use of sunscreen.
Study limitations:
health area represented a large part of the sample; instrument validated
outside Brazil.
Conclusions:
Young people are unaware of basic information about sun protection and
exposure. Even among those with proper knowledge, the use of photoprotective
measures is very low. The sun exposure has shown to be excessive in most of
the students, which makes this population an important target for
photo-educational measures.