Sunscreen Use among a Population of Saudi University Students

Assessment of prevalence of sunscreen use and related practices among people living in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey-based study

BACKGROUND

The use of sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer and helps maintain skin health; however, improper use can decrease its effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with sunscreen use in Saudi Arabia as well as identifying areas of weakness in sunscreen practices.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted with a diverse population sample in Saudi Arabia. Participants were asked about their sunscreen usage habits, motivations, and knowledge of proper application techniques. Demographic information, including age, gender, and skin type, were also collected.

RESULTS

A total of 2321 individuals participated in the study. More than two-thirds of the participants reported using sunscreen either always, regularly, or often, primarily to maintain a light skin color and prevent skin cancer. Factors associated with sunscreen use included younger age (18-40 years old), female gender, history of sunburn, and fair skin. Despite the majority reporting healthy sun exposure habits, several shortcomings were identified in sunscreen practices, including incorrect application and suboptimal reapplication frequency.

CONCLUSION

While sunscreen use is common among the study population, there is a need for improved education on proper application techniques. National awareness campaigns, especially those utilizing popular social media and digital platforms in Saudi Arabia, should focus on disseminating accurate sunscreen use guidelines to maximize sun protection and skin health.

Awareness and knowledge of sun exposure and use of sunscreen among adults in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia

Background

Excessive sun exposure and inadequate sunscreen use can lead to skin cancer and other harmful effects on the skin, eyes, and immune system.

Purpose

This observational cross-sectional study aimed to assess awareness and knowledge of sun exposure and sunscreen use among adults in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. This study also focused on evaluating the risks of skin cancer and participants' sun-protective attitudes and practices.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a questionnaire from November 2022 to January 2023 that assessed participants' knowledge, practices, and beliefs regarding sun exposure and sunscreen use. A total of 400 participants were selected for the study. Approval for the study was granted by the Local Research Ethics Committee of the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Results

The results revealed that (59.8 %) of the participants were female, while (40.3 %) were male. Regarding age, the majority fell within the 26-35 age range (37.5 %), with (16.0 %) of participants using sunscreen regularly, with a total of (74.0 %) of participants using sunscreen. Men exhibited a higher prevalence of negative attitudes towards sun protection, while women demonstrated more favourable sun protection practices. In addition, (1.25 %) of the participants had skin cancer in the past; (81.0 %) of participants agreed that skin cancer could cause death, while (19.0 %) were unsure of the effects of skin cancer. Moreover, the results indicated that sun exposure had a significant positive effect on awareness levels (p < 0.05), indicating that increased sun exposure was associated with higher awareness of the harmful effects of the sun. Additionally, awareness level significantly positively affected sunscreen use (p < 0.01), suggesting that individuals with higher awareness were more likely to use sunscreen.

Conclusion

There was an average awareness of sun exposure and its detrimental effects. In addition, a significant portion of the population demonstrates proactive measures to minimize sunlight exposure. However, sunscreen usage among Saudi adults was low despite having knowledge and awareness. Future research must enhance sun protection practices and reduce sun-related skin damage in the Aseer region.

Knowledge and Attitude Regarding the Use of Sun Protection to Prevent Adverse Laser Events Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Prolonged sun exposure has been linked with the development of numerous medical and dermatological complications, such as skin cancer. Photoprotection can help reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin damage and skin cancer. This study aims to assess the knowledge about and attitude toward the use of sun protection to prevent laser adverse events among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This is a cross-sectional, analytical, community-based study carried out among the general population (sunscreen users) in Saudi Arabia. A total of 600 participants were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a validated online self-administered questionnaire using Google Forms. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 600 sunscreen users were enrolled in this study, with an overall poor knowledge rate of 471 (78.5%) regarding the use of sun protection methods. Their ages ranged from 18 years to >55 years. The majority of them were females (537, 89.5%), had Saudi Nationality (533, 88.8%), and had skin type III (313, 52.2%). Almost all the participants (491, 81.9%) had undergone laser treatment before; the most reported reason was hair removal (522, 87%). In addition, 267 (44.5%) participants used sunscreens five to six times a week, with 440 (73.3%) also using sunglasses. Notably, only 91 (15.2%) of the study participants were aware that sunscreen covers UVA and UVB, and 34 (5.7%) knew that PA+++ is used in sunscreen. A total of 149 (24.8%) reported that sunscreen should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, while 153 (25.5%) stated that it should be reapplied every two hours. Moreover, 484 (80.7%) participants reported using topical steroid application after laser treatment. The results also showed that young participants (P = 0.001), single participants (P = 0.001), post-graduate participants (P = 0.010), students rather than the unemployed group (P = 0.002), and those who used sunscreens five to six times per week compared to those who never used sunscreens (P = 0.001) demonstrated an overall good knowledge about sunscreens and laser treatment. Conclusions The study showed poor knowledge among the participants regarding the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser events. Therefore, an increase in awareness among the general public about the protection through campaigns is highly recommended.

Current practice and beliefs of parents toward sunscreen use for their children: A cross-sectional study

Parents are generally influencing the sun protection behaviors of their children, including sunscreen use. In Saudi Arabia, sunscreen use was estimated in adults but not children. The objective was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of sunscreen use among parents and their children. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2022. Parents who were visiting outpatient clinics at a university hospital in Al-Kharj city, Saudi Arabia, were invited to complete an online questionnaire. A total of 266 participants were included in the final analysis. The mean age of parents was 39.0 ± 8.9 years, and the mean age of children was 8.2 ± 3.2 years. The prevalence of sunscreen use was 38.7% in parents and 24.1% in their children. Females had higher sunscreen use than males in both parents (49.7% versus 7.2%, p < 0.001) and in children (31.9% versus 18.3%, p = 0.011). The most frequent sunburn protection measures practiced by children were wearing long-sleeved clothes (77.0%), sitting in the shade (70.6%), and wearing hats (39.2%). In multivariable analysis, predictors of sunscreen use in parents included female sex, history of sunburn, and sunscreen use by children. Independent predictors of sunscreen use in children included a history of sunburn, wearing hats, and practicing other sunburn protection measures on risky occasions, and sunscreen use in parents. Sunscreen use in parents and children in Saudi Arabia is still inadequate or limited. This calls for community/school intervention programs using educational activities and multimedia promotion. Further studies are needed.