A cross-sectional study of the practice, knowledge and perception of suncreen use among dermatology patients at Universitas Academic Hospital
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Date
2021-02
Authors
Maepa, Jeannett Reabetswe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Background: Sunscreens are produced to protect the skin from cutaneous acute and chronic adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation. Their correct use is pivotal in determining their efficacy. Objectives: To assess the practice, knowledge, and perception or understanding with regards to sunscreen use in dermatology patients visiting Universitas dermatology clinic in Bloemfontein, Free State province; by comparing patients with personal skin cancer history and/or risk factors and the group of patients that do not have skin cancer history or risk factors. Methods: Using a questionnaire as a data collection tool, a cross-sectional study was carried out on the days of adult clinic over a period of three weeks. All new and old patients attending the Universitas Academic hospital dermatology clinic, aged 18 years and older, and agreeing to participate, were included in the study. Different parameters were used to
measure the practice, knowledge, and perception regarding sunscreen use and its benefits. Results: 131 out of 150 completed questionnaires qualified to be included in the data analysis. Majority of the respondents were female (64. 6%) and >60 years of age (46.9%). Risk factors for developing skin cancer were used to classify the high risk group which had a total number of 74 respondents (56.5%). The high risk group was compared with the lowrisk group when analysing response data for the practice, knowledge, and perception of sunscreen use. The study revealed that 46 respondents (62.2%) from the high risk group wear sunscreen in comparison with 19 respondents (45.2%) in the low risk group. A significant number of respondents from both groups (21% from the high risk group versus 14.1% from the low risk group) do not use sunscreen correctly. Assessment of the knowledge about sunscreen use demonstrated that 46.7% of the high risk group had slightly more knowledge on proper use of sunscreen as compared to 30% of the low risk group. Although both groups had differing opinions on whether sunscreen is a an over-the-counter drug or merely a cosmetic product, they both acknowledged its protective benefits to the skin. Conclusion: Assessment on the practice and knowledge of sunscreen use highlighted the suboptimal and inappropriate use of sunscreen by dermatology patients, as well as inadequate knowledge about correct use of sunscreen in contrast to having a good perception regarding the protective role of sunscreen against skin cancer. There is a dire need for more education or counselling of all dermatology patients on regular and correct use of sunscreen, particularly for the reduction of skin cancer in high risk individuals.
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Keywords
Dissertation (M.Med. (Dermatology))--University of the Free State, 2021, Dermatology patients, Perception, Sunscreen, Skin cancer, Risk factors, Photoaging, Photoprotection, Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), Fitzpatrick skin phototype, A cross-sectional study of the practice, knowledge and perception of sunscreen use among dermatology patients at Universitas Academic Hospital