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

Abstract

Original Research ArticleAwareness, knowledge and behavior of medical personnel regarding skin cancer, sun-related hazards and sunscreen utilization at ABSTRACT Background: Worldwide, skin cancer is a major public health concern. It is a common malignancy in Saudi Arabia. The three most prevalent types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most common modifiable risk factor to lower the risk of the leading types of skin cancer. Practicing protective measures can aid in decreasing the risk of developing skin malignancies. Methods: Data collection took place at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This crosssectional study was conducted via a structured self-administered questionnaire among medical personnel. Results: The majority (81.9%) of the sample participants were Saudi citizens. Moreover, medical students of 4th year, 5th year and 6th year represented half of the sample. Mean±SD values for the knowledge, behavior, and awareness scores were 6.85±3.31, 8.57±5.00, and 17.75±7.05 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in mean awareness score for the various categories of demographic variables. One-way-ANOVA revealed statistically significant difference among the different job titles in terms of awareness score with a p value <0.001. Conclusions:The results of this study have shown that the knowledge regarding skin cancer and behavior towards sun exposure is inadequate. Therefore, increasing the knowledge in the form of awareness campaigns is highly recommended.

Perception, knowledge, and attitude of solar radiation diseases and use of sunscreen among Al Zawia Medical University Students in Libya

“…Out of the 93 participants, 60 (64.5%) were knowledgeable about sun radiation diseases, 17 (18%) about skin cancer, 6 (6%) about pigmentation, and 4 (4%) about sunburns, while 2 (2%) knew about freckles, spot-darkening, and wrinkles. These results are consistent with those of another study, which found that participants had adequate knowledge of skin cancer risk factors and sun protection measures [10]. Another survey reported that sunburns and skin cancer prevention, as well as the preservation of light skin color and the avoidance of dark patches, were among the top reasons for using sunscreen [11].…”

“…Lack of efficacy and cost are the most common reasons for not using sunscreen [11]. Another interesting finding was that people do not use sunscreen because they are lazy, tired, or don't have time, and 27% believe they do not need it [10].…”

Photoprotection Knowledge and Photoprotective Behavior of University Students: A Cross-sectional Study in Indonesia

“…4,21,26 Nevertheless, a higher level of knowledge is not always directly related to better photoprotective behaviors, as noted in previous studies. 3,14 Further analysis in this study revealed that knowledge and behavior were significantly associated (P = 0.02).…”

“…These values are higher than those reported by a study on sunscreen use among medical personnel in Saudi Arabia, in which only 12.3% of the participants were found to always use sunscreen during their daily activity. 14 Relative to other studies, students from medicine-related disciplines have been observed to typically exhibit greater knowledge regarding but little to no difference in the habit of using sunscreen, 7 which indicates that factors other than education, such as female sex, might have a greater influence on photoprotective behaviors. 4,7 This study referred to the guidelines on sunscreen use of the American Academy of Dermatology, including those regarding the ideal times of sunscreen application; amount of sunscreen to be applied; level of protection (sun protection factor, SPF) needed; frequency, methods, and sites of application; and reapplication of sunscreen.…”

“…These values are higher than those reported by a study on sunscreen use among medical personnel in Saudi Arabia, in which only 12.3% of the participants were found to always use sunscreen during their daily activity. 14 Relative to other studies, students from medicine-related disciplines have been observed to typically exhibit greater knowledge regarding but little to no difference in the habit of using sunscreen, 7 which indicates that factors other than education, such as female sex, might have a greater influence on photoprotective behaviors. 4,7…”