Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the general puplic toward the harmful effects of sun exposure and protection

Abstract

Background; Excessive unprotected sun exposure is a significant risk factor for skin damage and skin cancers. In recent decades, the incidence of skin cancer has increased dramatically worldwide, reaching epidemic proportions. Sun protection is a key primary preventive strategy against skin cancer and skin damage induced by sun exposure. Aim and objectives; was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of individuals on the harmful effects of the sun and protection ways. Subjects and methods; this study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 104 males and 316 females who attended Menoufia university dermatology clinic and some of the employments (physicians , nurses and officers)in the Menoufia university hospitals and some of the students. Result; the mean age of the studied participant was 31.30±7.55 and the majority of them were females (75.2%). There were significant bad sun habits and lower sun protection behavior (indicated by increasing SEPI part I score which was 10.22±3.63). Also, there was significant decreasing propensity to increase sun protection (indicated by increasing SEPI score part II) in males than females, unmarried than married persons, with low levels of education in the studied participants.