Prevalence and Predictors of the Use of Sunscreen Amongst Medical Students: A Multi-center Cross-sectional Study.

Muhammad A Khan,Muhammad Mustafa Memon,Simra Irfan,Maaz S Khan,Sahlish Kumar,Zunaira Navid,Shehryar Shaikh,Vanita Motiani,Izza Shahid,Zaiyn Ul Haq,Samran N Hassan,Muzzammil Manzoor,Muhammad Moinuddin Ashrafi,Maheen Nisar

doi:10.7759/cureus.4926

Abstract

ObjectiveSun exposure is a primary preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Sunscreen has been shown to reduce the risk of certain skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of sunscreen use among medical students in Karachi.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among 578 students from multiple medical universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The levels of use of sunscreen were recorded using a comprehensive questionnaire consisting of 29 questions. Descriptive statistics were used and p-values less than 0.05 calculated using the chi-square test were considered significant.ResultsA majority (n=441, 73.9%) of the participants in this study were female students. Sunscreen use was prevalent in 415 (69.5%) participants. Female students were more aware of the risk of skin cancer from extended sun exposure (n=186, 72.4%). Sunscreen use was significantly associated with gender (p<0.001) and the propensity to get sunburned easily (p=0.001). Few (n=19, 5.0%) students reported being well-versed regarding skin cancer and its risk factors. Most participants were aware of the use of sunscreen for sunburn prevention (n=473, 79.2%), though knowledge of the additional benefits of sunscreen, such as the prevention of skin cancer (n=257, 43.0%) and aging (n=199, 33.3%), was lacking.ConclusionThere is an evident lack of knowledge of the importance of sunscreen protection among medical students, particularly regarding the prevention of skin cancer and skin aging. However, an overall positive attitude was observed regarding the use of sunscreen among female students. Medical students are an imperative part of our future healthcare system and should be adequately informed on sunscreen benefits and skin cancer prevention.

Highlights

Skin cancer is regarded as one of the most common types of cancer globally, with an especially high incidence rate amongst fair-skinned individuals
Most participants were aware of the use of sunscreen for sunburn prevention (n=473, 79.2%), though knowledge of the additional benefits of sunscreen, such as the prevention of skin cancer (n=257, 43.0%) and aging (n=199, 33.3%), was lacking
The incidence rate of skin cancer is significantly lower amongst Africans, Asians and those of Latin American, or American-Indian descent, it manifests with significant mortality due to the atypical presentations of these cases [1]

Summary

Introduction

Skin cancer is regarded as one of the most common types of cancer globally, with an especially high incidence rate amongst fair-skinned individuals. The incidence rate of skin cancer is significantly lower amongst Africans, Asians and those of Latin American, or American-Indian descent, it manifests with significant mortality due to the atypical presentations of these cases [1]. In the US alone, melanoma incidence rates have doubled from 1982 to 2011, and in the absence of. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates a total of 428 new cases in 2018 alone, comprising a staggering 46.0% of the total number of cases in a five-year span [3]

Methods

Results

Conclusion