Comparison of Photoprotection Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Medical and Non-Medical Students at a...

Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, particularly in countries with high ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Thus, to reduce sun exposure, the early adoption of protection behaviours is essential. In this task, future medical professionals must demonstrate competencies in skin cancer prevention. This study aimed to describe and compare photoprotection knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among medical and non-medical students.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private university in Lima, Peru, involving 624 students from five programs: medicine, industrial and systems engineering, law, psychology, and business administration. Participants were divided into two groups: medical and non-medical students. The Questionnaire on Habits, Attitudes, and Knowledge about Sun Exposure in Adolescence and Adulthood (CHACES), a validated tool to assess sun exposure and protection KAP, was used. Group comparisons were performed using Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Participants' average age was 21.09 years old, with 56.1% being female. Medical students scored higher in photoprotection knowledge (U = 35,853.5; p = 0.003) and reported lower sun exposure (U = 37,263.5; p = 0.028) than non-medical students. However, no significant differences were observed in photoprotection behaviours (p = 0.807) or photoprotection attitudes (p = 0.238).

Medical students demonstrated greater knowledge and fewer sun exposure habits; however, their photoprotection behaviours did not differ significantly from non-medical students. These findings highlight the need for enhanced educational strategies for skin cancer prevention across all university programs.