LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS SAUDI ARABIA’S ADULTS HAVE ABOUT DAYTIME SUNSCREEN PROTECTION
Abstract
Background: Protecting skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is critical, and sunscreen is the most important defense against such harmful radiation. Although the risks are well known of sun exposure, little has been explored on awareness and use of sunscreen among adults in Saudi Arabia. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate level of knowledge and awareness of adults towards the use of daytime sunscreen protection in Saudi Arabia. Methods: From July to December 2024, a cross-sectional study was undertaken employing a self-devised questionnaire addressed via social media. The study population consisted of Saudi adults 18 to 60 years of age residing in the Riyadh area. Attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge of participants' attitudes toward sun exposure and sun protection were assessed in a total of 392 participants. Results: Of the participants, 78.3 percent recognized the harm from sun exposure, but only 60.7 percent reported using sunscreen regularly. The vast majority (86.0%) identified the importance of sunscreen in protecting against UV, but a far lower percentage (61.2%) used other protective measures. Of interest is that 38% were not adequately informed of what types of sunscreens were suitable and 47.7% preferred SPF 50. Low and high levels of knowledge derived from sunscreen use had values of 50.5% and 2.6%, respectively. The correlations between knowledge of sunscreen protection and demographic factors, such as gender (P < 0.0001), age (P = 0.017), educational level (P = 0.001), and Fitzpatrick skin type (P = 0.022), were statistically significant. Conclusion: Despite high awareness of sun exposure risks, little is known or utilized about sunscreen among Saudi adults. The results indicate the importance for educational interventions targeted at increasing understanding and practise protective behaviours related to sun safety, especially in regions with high UV exposure. Broad public health strategies are necessary to close the knowledge practice gap and promote implementation of effective sun protection practices.