Sunscreen Use among a Population of Saudi University Students.

Mohammed I. AlJasser,Abdullah Aljumah,Emad Masuadi,Mohannad Alzaydi,Maha T. Alassafi,Abdullah Alassaf,Mohammed Almedlej,Suliman Alassafi

doi:10.1155/2020/4732721

Mohammed I. AlJasser, Abdullah Aljumah + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/4732721

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Abstract

Introduction Sunscreen is an important method of sun protection. Many studies were conducted worldwide on the use of sunscreen but only few done in Saudi Arabia. The aim of our study is to assess the prevalence, practices, and factors associated with sunscreen use among Saudi university students. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was performed at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire on the use of sunscreen was created in English. Quota sampling technique was used since the sample was divided according to gender and college year. Results A total of 1,011 students were enrolled. Approximately half were males (n = 510). Half of the students used sunscreen (n = 515, 51%). Female gender, high family income, previous history of sunburn, tanning bed use, and use of other sun protection methods were factors independently associated with sunscreen use. The main reasons for using sunscreen were prevention of sunburns, dark spots, skin cancer, and overall skin darkening. Eighty percent of participants used other methods of sun protection. Sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) > 30 was used in 59% of students. However, the majority did not know if the sunscreen they use provided broad-spectrum coverage or not. Only 35% of students apply sunscreen in both sunny and cloudy days. Most students apply sunscreen less than 10 minutes before going out and do not repeat the application throughout the day. More than 90% of students seem to apply insufficient amount of sunscreen. Conclusion Almost half of the population in the study use sunscreen. We have identified several areas of improper use of sunscreen. Increasing the awareness of effective sunscreen use in our community might be needed.

Highlights

Sunscreen is an important method of sun protection
With sunscreen use included female gender, high family income, previous history of sunburn, use of tanning beds, and use of other sun protection methods (Table 2). e association of sunscreen use with all the aforementioned factors continued to be statistically significant after performing multivariate logistic regression analysis (Table 2)
A broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) sun rays was used by only 28%. e majority (67%) did not know whether they were using broad-spectrum sunscreen or not

Summary

Introduction

Sun exposure has both beneficial and harmful effects as the main source of vitamin D and a major cause of skin cancer, respectively [1]. One of the main methods to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation is the application of sunscreen. Many studies have been conducted worldwide on sun exposure and sun protection practices including sunscreen use. E aim of our study is to assess sunscreen use among Saudi university students. E use of other sun protection methods, including clothing that is important in the Saudi culture (such as shemagh and niqab), was assessed. Knowing more details about sunscreen use among Saudi university students will help in conducting community educational campaigns and future research related to the effect of UV on Middle Eastern skin type. E final questionnaire included the following sections: demographics, general sunscreen use, method of sunscreen application, type of sunscreen, sun exposure, and skin cancer. A test with a p value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant

Results

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Participants Gender College year

Discussion

Conclusion

Ethical Approval