Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medical Students at Hanoi Medical University Regarding Skin Cancer and Sun Protection: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Materia socio-medica Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.5455/msm.2025.37.136-143

Vinh Nguyen Thi Ha, Son Dao Anh, Sang Ho Anh, Linh Phung Thuy, Ngan Tran Ha, Vinh Pham Ba, Doanh Le Huu

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Abstract

Background: Skin cancer is one of the most common malignancies globally, yet awareness and protective behaviors remain limited in many populations. In Vietnam, there is a lack of research examining knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to skin cancer, particularly among future healthcare providers.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the current levels of KAP regarding skin cancer and sun protection and to identify associated factors among medical students at Hanoi Medical University.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 923 undergraduate medical students at Hanoi Medical University during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire, including validated scales for knowledge (SCSK), attitudes (SSEAS), and practices (SEPI).

Results: The mean knowledge score was 13.84 (SD = 3.3), with 57.7% of students classified as having low knowledge. Attitude scores were moderate, with 33.4% demonstrating a positive attitude. Practices were poor overall, with 71.4% engaging in inadequate sun protection behaviors. Higher knowledge was associated with academic program, year of study, gender, ethnicity, rural background, personal or family history of skin cancer, and trusted information sources. Favorable attitudes were linked to academic year, program, having freckles, exposure to reliable information, and beliefs about sunscreen. Better practices were associated with being female, in later years, having skin conditions, previous sunburn, internet use, and a preference for lighter skin.

Conclusion: The study revealed substantial gaps in skin cancer knowledge and protective behaviors among medical students, despite generally favorable attitudes. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions, especially during early academic training, to enhance skin cancer prevention efforts among future healthcare professionals.

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河内医科大学医学生关于皮肤癌和防晒的知识、态度和实践：一项横断面研究。

背景：皮肤癌是全球最常见的恶性肿瘤之一，但在许多人群中认识和保护行为仍然有限。在越南，缺乏对与皮肤癌相关的知识、态度和实践（KAP）的研究，特别是在未来的医疗保健提供者中。目的：本研究旨在评估目前河内医科大学医学生中与皮肤癌和防晒有关的KAP水平，并确定相关因素。方法：对河内医科大学2024-2025学年923名本科医学生进行横断面研究。使用结构化在线问卷收集数据，包括知识（SCSK）、态度（SSEAS）和实践（SEPI）的有效量表。结果：平均知识得分为13.84分（SD = 3.3）， 57.7%的学生知识水平较低。态度得分适中，有33.4%的人表现出积极的态度。总体而言，防晒行为较差，71.4%的人防晒行为不充分。较高的知识与学术课程、学习年份、性别、种族、农村背景、个人或家族史以及可信赖的信息来源有关。良好的态度与学年、课程、是否有雀斑、是否接触到可靠的信息以及对防晒霜的看法有关。较好的锻炼方式与女性、晚年、皮肤状况、晒伤史、使用互联网以及偏爱浅色皮肤有关。结论：该研究揭示了医学生在皮肤癌知识和保护行为方面的实质性差距，尽管普遍持良好态度。这些发现强调了有针对性的教育干预的必要性，特别是在早期的学术培训中，以加强未来医疗保健专业人员的皮肤癌预防工作。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Materia socio-medica

CiteScore

1.80

自引率

0.00%

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