Perception, knowledge and attitude of solar radiation diseases and use of sun screen among Al Zawia Medical University Students in Libya

Abstract

Human exposure to solar radiation has significant public health implications. Warning of harm associated with overexposure to UV has been demonstrated in numerous Studies. The harmful ultraviolet radiation of sunlight can damage skin cells and affect the skin’s normal appearance. The short term effects associated with sun exposure include acute skin damage associated with changes such as sunburn, and the long term effects are delayed pigmentation, impaired vitamin D synthesis, altered immunological responses of the skin, and others. Sun protection is a key primary preventive strategy against skin cancer and skin damage induced by sun exposure. Sunscreens are cosmetic formulations withthe function of blocking ultraviolet (UV) radiation from penetrating the skin when it is exposed to it. Actually, they absorb or reflect the UV radiation on the skin exposed to sunlight and also help protect against sunburn or any other dangerous effect. The aim of the studywas to determine, evaluate the awareness and knowledge of UV radiation diseases,also the prevalence of sunscreen, attitudes and perceptions toward their use among University Medical Students in Zawia (Libya) were indicated. Data collection was done with the help of aspecial-designed, self-structured questionnaire, which was distributed among 100 samples. The majority (74%) of the sample participants were Pharmacy students, while 16% were Medicine students, and only 10% were Dentistry students. The results showed that 93% of participants had awareness or knowledge, of sun diseases, but only 7% lacked information of aboutradiation diseases. 71% of participants applied sunscreen, whereas 29% of participants did not apply sunscreen. The students at Zawia Medical University have adequate knowledge and were aware of the harmful effects of solar radiation exposure. Sunscreens are an important part of sun protective habits.Our study spotted that the need for future health education programs for our society that emphasis on the significant importance of sunscreen, in addition to the correct methods of application.