KNOWLEDGE ABOUT RISK OF TANNING ON INCIDENCE OF SKIN CANCER AMONG SAUDI UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Bashaer Dabsan Albaqami*, Rawan Wael Alalayan and Sakinah Matuq Alaithan

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The evaluation of the knowledge gaps and attitudes towards protection measures against unnecessary sun exposure, including tanning, can act as guidance for planning of the prevention programs. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Saudi university students towards practicing of tanning. Methods: This is a cross sectional study included 316 university students where 204 students were selected from King Abdulaziz University, 62 from King Saud University and 50 students were selected from Albaha University. The data were collected through personal interviews using a structured questionnaire, which consisted of four main sections investigated, demographical variables, knowledge of risky sun exposure on skin cancer, attitudes towards tanning, and practices of tanning and sunbathing. The data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: This study showed relatively a low level of knowledge about risk of sun radiation on skin cancer, especially, regarding factors such as duration of risky exposure, effect of skin type, and wearing of protective hat and clothes. However, university students showed moderate level of knowledge in relation to factors such as timing of exposure, protective use of sunscreen, and the risk of tanning bed on skin cancer. There was a low to moderate use of tanning bed and sunbathing, which could be attributed to the negative attitude towards tanned skin among Saudi students. Conclusion: Saudi University students showed low to moderate level of knowledge regarding the relation between tanning and skin cancer and only the minority of them has considered tanned skin as healthy and attractive.

Keywords: Tanning, cancer, sunbathing, students, Knowledge, attitudes, practices Saudi.