A CROSS-SECTIONAL ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF ADULT POPULATION TOWARDS SUN EXPOSURE AND PROTECTION IN PAKISTAN

Objective: Skin diseases pose a great burden on health system of our country and significantly reduce the quality of life due to possible skin cancers, cosmetic issues and lack of acceptance in society. Our aim was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of population towards sun exposure and sun protection, to identify the area, which needs to be worked upon to bring about a positive change in our population and decrease the prevalence of skin diseases.

Method: It was a cross-sectional study. Itwas held after the approval of the ethical review committee of CMH Lahore Medical College.Sample size of 386 was calculated using the WHO calculator.Data was collected via self-filled online forms that were distributed as links among the general population in reach. The questionnaire comprised of four parts; socio-demographic background and skin type, assessment of the knowledge of population regarding harmful effects of sun onskin and sunscreen, attitude of people towards sun protection measures and practice towards sun protection measures. Collected data was subjected to SPSS version 24.
Result: In the study, 79.8% participants were females.Statistically significant association was present between the use of sunscreen and its several benefits, along with its avoidance and the contemplation that it has adverse effects (p=0.001). There was a statistical correlation between participants who considered face cover to be enough instead of use of sunscreen (p=0.001) as well as those who believed that sunscreen had harmful effects on vitamin D levels in the body (p=0.006).

Conclusion: The study revealed thata majority of the population has knowledge about the disadvantages of sun exposure. It also concluded that although the Pakistani population has a positive attitude regarding the use of sunscreen, there are a few misconceptions that affect the practice.

Keywords: Cosmetic issues, sun protection, sunscreen, cancers, awareness.