Assessment of sun-related behaviour, knowledge and attitudes among nursing students

As future healthcare professionals, nursing students will play an important role in social training and promoting healthy behaviours including protection against sunlight. However, few studies to date have focused on their knowledge and attitudes regarding sun-related behaviour.

To evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices about sun protection and skin cancer among nursing students.

This cross-sectional study included 200 all year nursing students from University of Vigo, located in the Vigo, Ourense and Pontevedra campus. Participants completed a validated, self-reported questionnaire with 38 questions regarding their demographic characteristics, sun-related behaviour, knowledge and attitudes.

Approximately 87% of students reported experiencing sunburn last summer and 57% stated that they had sunbathed more than 15 days. Participants showed low level of sun protection behaviours, with the exception of using sunscreen (86%) and wearing sunglasses (72.5%). Knowledge about skin cancer and sun protection was considered high (rate of correct responses 87.7%, 6.14 out of 7). Moreover, positive tanning attitudes were high in the sample overall. Nursing students awarded a high value to tanned skin and showed misconceptions about sun exposure.

Although most of the students were aware of the side effects of sun exposure, their behaviours and attitudes were unsatisfactory. A high level of knowledge may not be predictive of positive practices and adequate attitudes, even among future healthcare professionals. Further guidance and educational campaigns are utmost important, particularly in a group that will be directly involved in prevention and early diagnosis of skin cancer.