Sun Protection Knowledge and Practices in Fifth-year Medical Students: Impact of Gender, Sunburn Experience and Sunscreen Use

Abstract

Introduction: Ultraviolet exposure is the most important modifiable risk factor for developing skin cancer. Objectives: We evaluated the knowledge and behaviors of medical students regarding sun protection. Methods: Between October 2023 and May 2024, fifth-year medical students filled a questionnaire on sun protection. Results: This study included 255 students, 134 males and 121 females. Among them, 100 (39.2%) students stated that they always used sunscreen, 43.1% used sunscreen on sunny days and in the winter, whereas 42% applied it only to the face. Of the 135 students who knew the two fingers technique, 99 stated that they learned this information from social media, and 218 (85.5%) took at least 1 other sun protection measure. In females, wearing sunscreen (P<0.001), reapplying it (P=0.003), use in winter (P<0.001), knowing the two fingers technique (P<0.001), and taking other sun protection measures (P=0.020) were more frequent and duration of sunscreen use was longer (P<0.001) compared to men. Sunburn was more common in men and in those who stated that they did not go out during peak sun time (P=0.013, P=0.017). Statements on sun protection were similar in both genders. For instance, 95.9% of females and 96.3% of males revealed that sun protection prevents skin cancer. Conclusion: Although females used sunscreen and applied other sun protection methods more frequently than males, appropriate sunscreen use was inadequate among all students. Updating the curriculum and providing educational social media sites where reliable information can be obtained may improve medical students’ sun protection habits.

Keywords

• Knowledge
• medical student
• practice
• sun protection
• sunscreen