Sunscreen use and sun protection practices in students and personnel of Celal Bayar University
Aylin Türel Ermertcan1, Serap Oztürkcan, Gönül Dinç
1Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey. draylinturel@hotmail.com
Background/Purpose:
The steady increase in the incidence of melanoma, non-melanoma cutaneous neoplasia and preneoplastic disorders has contributed to the demand for more effective protection from the sun. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of sunscreen use and other sun protection behaviors in a large sample of students and personnel of Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey.
Methods:
The study group included 1018 participants of whom 607 work in the Celal Bayar University Hospital and 411 are students from the Medical Faculty and School for Health Professionals. All participants completed a questionnaire composed of 45 items about sun protection and other health behaviors, such as sports activity, use of cigarettes, alcohol and seat-belts. Sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreen, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, wearing clothing, a hat and sunglasses were studied.
Results:
Of the 1018, 403 participants were male and 615 were female. While avoiding sun exposure during peak hours was the most popular preventive behavior for men (42.5%), wearing sunglasses was the most popular one for women (50.7%). Avoiding exposure was the second preventive behavior for women (42.1%). Use of sunscreen with SPF 15+ was the second popular protective measure for men (19.4%) and the third one for women (39.2%). There were no significant relationships between sun protection behaviors and obesity, use of cigarettes and alcohol. We also investigated behavioral changes with sunburn experience in the participants who had sunburn history. Among these behavioral changes, increased use of sunscreen and decreased sun exposure during peak hours with sunburn experience were significant.
Conclusion:
Our study demonstrated that the risk of sun exposure is largely unrecognized in Manisa, Turkey, and we have very incomplete information about protective measures. An efficient policy of education on the effective use of sun protection methods should be developed to prevent skin cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...