Skin Cancer and Its Correlates: A Study of Knowledge and Preventive Behavior in Riyadh

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, the incidence of skin cancer has increased due to increased UV exposure to solar and artificial sources. In Saudi Arabia, skin cancer ranked the 9 th most common cancer for both sexes. However, it is considered to be a preventable disease. WHO has proposed several preventive methods to avoid the damaging effects of excessive exposure to UV rays including; social education and adopting positive behavioral changes. The present study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of people in Riyadh city towards skin cancer. Results: The mean respondent's age was 35 years (12-65 years). Females represented about two-thirds of the 341 respondent. A statistically significant associations were detected between awareness about skin cancer with the age (Beta =0.03, p =0.047), educational level (Beta =0.63, p =0.042) and skin color (Beta =-2.14, p<0.001) being significant predictors for disease. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this was the first study to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer in Saudi Arabia. Despite the limitations, the present study's findings suggested that Saudis lack the sufficient knowledge to understand and assess the importance of skin cancer risk. In addition, the level of knowledge, attitude and behaviors are influenced by several factors as age, education level and skin color.

Awareness, knowledge and behavior of medical personnel regarding skin cancer, sun-related hazards and sunscreen utilization at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah

“…In contrast, age was found to have statistically significant associations with awareness about skin cancer in other studies. 12,[20][21][22] One interesting finding was the marital status (β=0.111, p=0.025) which was a significant predictor of awareness score, also coinciding with the findings of Alamri et al 12 The mean behavior score was 8.57±5.00 with a possible maximum score of 24 which reveals a low level of sun protection behavior in agreement to the results of other studies. 15,23 The current work found that half of the participants recognized that sun block should be applied 15-30 minutes before getting exposed to the sun, and should be re-applied every 2 hours.…”

“…Females represented more than half of the respondents (58.5%) which was similar to two previous studies. 12,13 According to our findings, it has been shown that medical students and health care providers at this tertiary hospital have narrow knowledge in regard to skin cancer which was collateral to the conclusion of previous studies conducted among the general population in Saudi Arabia, Medical students in France, Nursing students and by the American Academy of Dermatology in 1995. 12,[14][15][16] In contrast, skin cancer knowledge and perceived severity to sun exposure were shown to be high in a study in Italy among school students.…”

“…12,13 According to our findings, it has been shown that medical students and health care providers at this tertiary hospital have narrow knowledge in regard to skin cancer which was collateral to the conclusion of previous studies conducted among the general population in Saudi Arabia, Medical students in France, Nursing students and by the American Academy of Dermatology in 1995. 12,[14][15][16] In contrast, skin cancer knowledge and perceived severity to sun exposure were shown to be high in a study in Italy among school students. 17 A research paper established among non-dermatologist physicians concluded that participants had adequate knowledge on skin cancer hazard factors and sun protection measures and knew that UV light can lead to skin cancers.…”

“…Also, only 32.1% were aware that severe sunburn occurring during childhood duplicates an individual's risk of acquiring melanoma subsequently in life, which was similar to the findings of the same study with the percentage of 31.4%, compared to other studies done in the UK, USA and France; awareness levels were 82%, 58% & 97.4% respectively. 12,14,16,19 There was no statistically significant difference in mean awareness score for the various categories of demographic variables e.g. gender, age, marital status and nationality.…”

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge of Skin Cancer in Saudi Arabia

“…A study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showed that the population had a good general awareness of skin cancer but little awareness of specific details of the disease, with 83% stating they were unaware that sun exposure causes skin cancer [23]. However, a later study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showed that 73% of participants were aware of the association between skin cancer and exposure to sunlight, although 58% did not know that moderate tanning also poses a risk [24].…”