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

Abstract

Objective: Awareness regarding the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation are commonly neglected in Asian countries. This study sought to evaluate the ultraviolet radiation knowledge and photoprotective behaviors of university students in Indonesia. Methods: This observational cross-sectional was conducted at Pelita Harapan University, Indonesia. Results: A total of 89 (45.4%) medical students and 107 (54.6%) nonmedical students participated in this study. Their mean age was 21.03 ± 2.03 years, and 46.4% of them had Fitzpatrick type III skin. Medical students as well as older students exhibited a higher level of knowledge regarding photoprotection (P ≤ 0.05). Factors related to good photoprotective behaviors were sex, older age, and average expenditure on skincare. Further analysis revealed that a high level of knowledge regarding photoprotection was related to acceptable photoprotective behaviors (P = 0.01; odds ratio = 1.97; 95% confidence interval = 1.13–3.54). Conclusions: Knowledge regarding sun-related damage and practice of photoprotective behaviors were low among the participants. The results indicate that formal education and academic subjects should incorporate the topic of sun-related damage and promote the practice of photoprotective behaviors early on to increase awareness among populations.

Awareness of sun exposure risks and photoprotection for preventing pigmentary disorders in Asian populations: Survey results from three Asian countries and expert panel recommendations

“…18 A cross-sectional study of 196 university students in Indonesia reported that 46% of participants had FST III and around 80-90% were aware of the most important risks of sun exposure (hyperpigmentation, skin cancer, photoaging, and photodermatoses). 19 However, almost two-thirds were not familiar with UV radiation wavelengths (UVA, UVB, and UVC) or that PA indicates protection against UVA. 19 In conclusion, our epidemiological data demonstrated that the survey respondents in three Asian countries (China, Indonesia, and Japan) may underestimate the risk of sun exposure and education is needed on the risks and benefits of photoprotection, especially for children.…”

“…Participants who were female, younger, and more highly educated were more likely to use photoprotection than those who were male, older, and less educated 18 . A cross‐sectional study of 196 university students in Indonesia reported that 46% of participants had FST III and around 80–90% were aware of the most important risks of sun exposure (hyperpigmentation, skin cancer, photoaging, and photodermatoses) 19 . However, almost two‐thirds were not familiar with UV radiation wavelengths (UVA, UVB, and UVC) or that PA indicates protection against UVA 19 …”

“…19 However, almost two-thirds were not familiar with UV radiation wavelengths (UVA, UVB, and UVC) or that PA indicates protection against UVA. 19 In conclusion, our epidemiological data demonstrated that the survey respondents in three Asian countries (China, Indonesia, and Japan) may underestimate the risk of sun exposure and education is needed on the risks and benefits of photoprotection, especially for children. Further education is especially needed on the importance of applying high protection, broad-spectrum sunscreen (effective against UVB, UVA, and high energy visible light [HEV]) liberally and frequently throughout the year, especially as Asian populations are particularly concerned about sun exposure causing photoaging and pigmentary disorders.…”

Photoaging's portrait: The road map towards its photoprotection

“…Skin photoprotection indeed remains a vivid topic of research, witnessed by many recent and excellent papers. When limiting the literature search to these last 3 years, many works [38,[55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66] attest to the continuous efforts of all researchers dedicated, worldwide, to fundamental or applied advances in the skin photoprotection domain, best fitted to genetical/physiological or cultural specificities (skin phototypes, lifestyles, etc. ).…”