Knowledge and attitude of Princess Nourah University Students Towards Sun Protection

Abstract

Background: Hyperpigmentation, early skin wrinkling, skin cancer, and many other serious skin problems are caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Yet, there are many preventive ways that allow us to enjoy the sun and even take benefits from it without causing any harm to the skin. One very effective and useful way is through applying sunscreen with adequate Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and good coverage. However, the Saudi community lacks education on the importance of applying sunscreen or how to effectively use sunscreens and what could be prevented with its usage. Objectives: This study aims to estimate PNU student’s awareness and knowledge of sun safety, to compare between healthy and non-healthy students in regards to knowledge and practice, to assess the protective behaviors toward sun exposure among PNU students, and to provide the public with information regarding safe sun protection. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 900 PNU students using convenient sampling. The study was conducted between November 2019 and March 2020. Data was collected by a paper-based questionnaire of 46 questions and all statistical analysis was done by SPSS software. Results: A notable difference was observed among students of health colleges, vs students from non-health colleges. 71.7 % of poor knowledge was correlated with non-health students and 28.3% was associated with health students. However, both groups showed no significant differences when it came to sunscreen use and practice. Conclusion: Sunscreen usage and utilization were substantially low among PNU students. Despite the high knowledge level that health students represented, this did not affect their sunblock application. Awareness of the importance of sun protection was low among PNU students. Keywords: Awareness; Knowledge; Sun safety; Attitudes; Practices; Sunscreen; Sunblock.