Knowledge of the risks of ultraviolet radiation, sun exposure attitudes and practices among Lebanese university students.

BACKGROUND

Exposure to Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Data about UVR risk knowledge and exposure behaviors in the Lebanese population are scarce.

AIM

To evaluate the association between UVR risks knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Lebanese university students in the aim of promoting primary prevention of skin cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study between January and March 2022. An online survey was sent to Saint Joseph University students in Lebanon consisting of 5 sections: sociodemographic data, skin and health status, UVR exposure and protection behaviors, attitudes towards exposure and risks' knowledge. Descriptive analysis was conducted, in addition to bivariate analysis and logistic regression with sunburn and sunbathing as outcomes respectively. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 385 students responded to our questionnaire with a mean age of 23.59. 62.1 % reported at least one episode of sunburn during the last summer. The most common sun protective measure was sunscreen application; however, its frequency wasn't satisfactory considering the high knowledge level of UVR risks. The most frequent barrier into applying sunscreen was its expensive price (42.4 %). Furthermore, positive attitudes towards tanning, particularly among women, and sunbathing were high. 75.1 % of students sunbathed for at least one day.

CONCLUSION

Lebanese university students are aware of the risks of UVR risks; however, sunburn and sunbathing are common and protective behaviors are often not applied. Future awareness campaigns for skin cancer and promotion of sun safety are necessary.