A Study of Skin Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices Among Healthcare Professionals and the General Population in Pakistan: Insights for Healthcare Interventions and Policy Development.

Abstract

Background: Skin cancer is a major global health issue that can be life-threatening. The current study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals and the general population regarding skin cancer. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2023 in Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan. A total of 407 respondents from the general population and 230 healthcare professionals were recruited using a convenient and snowball sampling technique, respectively. Data were collected using questionnaires and statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, and bivariate logistic regression was performed using SPSS Version 20. Result: In the overall population, 46.4% identified as male, 45.0% as female, and 8.6% chose not to disclose their gender. Significantly differing levels of skin cancer knowledge were observed between genders, with males reporting a higher knowledge (36.4%, crude odds ratio = 1.413, p < 0.001) compared to females (32.9%). In addition, females displayed a more positive attitude (crude odds ratio = 1.874, p < 0.001) and practice (crude odds ratio = 1.401, p < 0.05) toward skin cancer prevention. Furthermore, younger age groups exhibited greater knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer. Education and employment status also have a direct influence on skin cancer knowledge and practices. Moreover, in the current study, healthcare professionals comprised 61.3% physicians, 16.5% nurses, and 22.2% pharmacists. Among these, 37.3% of physicians, 11.3% of nurses, and 12.6% of pharmacists demonstrated the ability to identify common signs and symptoms of skin cancer in a patient (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 44% of physicians regarded regular skin cancer screenings as "very important" (p < 0.01). In addition, 27.4% of physicians and 8.7% of pharmacists exhibited a positive attitude toward regular screening of at-risk patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The current study highlights gender and age disparities in skin cancer knowledge and prevention among the general population, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions to enhance knowledge and proactive practices. In addition, among healthcare professionals, it reveals variations in knowledge levels, emphasizing the importance of tailored education initiatives to promote consistent skin cancer prevention and management practices within the healthcare community.