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

Abstract

Human exposure to solar radiation has significant public health implications. Sunlight’s UV radiation can injure skin cells and alter the appearance of the skin. Long-term impacts of sun exposure include delayed pigmentation, reduced vitamin D synthesis, changed immunological responses of the skin, and others. The immediate consequences of sun exposure include severe skin changes like sunburn. Sun protection is a fundamental preventative step against skin cancer and skin damage brought on by excessive sun exposure. Sunscreens function to block ultraviolet (UV) rays from the environment from reaching the skin. They help shield skin exposed to sunlight from sunburn and other negative consequences by reflecting or absorbing UV radiation. The study aimed to determine and evaluate the awareness and knowledge of UV radiation diseases, the prevalence of sunscreen use, and attitudes and perceptions toward their use among University Medical Students in Zawia (Libya). A specially prepared, self-structured survey was given to 100 participants to obtain data. The majority (74%) of the participants were Pharmacy students, 16% were Medicine students, and only 10% were Dentistry students. The results showed that 93% of participants had awareness or knowledge of sun diseases, but only 7% lacked information about radiation diseases. 71% of participants applied sunscreen, whereas 29% did not apply sunscreen. The study concludes that students at Zawia Medical University have adequate knowledge and are aware of the harmful effects of solar radiation exposure. Sunscreens are a crucial component of sun safety practices. The study also identified the necessity for personal health education and training for our society that emphasizes the critical role of sunscreen and recommended application techniques.