WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Suhair Rafea Kareem*, Osama Niama Matrood and Baidaa Ibraheem Salman

ABSTRACT

Background: Ultraviolet (UVR) radiation is considered the most harmful external factor threatening the skin. With the advent of global warming and the consequent rise in prolonged sunny weather worldwide, the need for effective photoprotection and regular sunscreen use has become critical. Sunscreen is a product designed to protect the skin from harmful radiation emitted by the sun. Iraq has been considered as one of the most vulnerable countries in the World to climate change. However, very few studies have been conducted in Iraq regarding sunscreen use. Aim of Study: -assessment of Kerbala University students’ knowledge, attitudes, and their actual daily practices regarding sunscreen use. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from the 1st of April to the end of May 2024 among 480 students at Kerbala University; data was collected through a self-administrated questionnaire translated into Arabic; it consisted of 32 questions covering the knowledge of the participants about sunscreen, attitudes towards sunscreen use, and their practices in daily life. Data was analyzed through SPSS program version 24 and a statistically significant level was determined at P <0.05. Results: The present study included 419 university undergraduate students from four colleges (Pharmacy, Nursing, Education for Humanities, and Engineering) of Kerbala University. Most of them were female (63.7%). The overall knowledge was 57%, Knowledge was lacking in specific areas, and with only 17% aware that sunscreen can be used for children aged six months and above and just 32% recognizing the meaning of broad-spectrum sunscreen. More than half of the students reported regular use of sunscreen, 66% of participants use sunscreen on sunny & cloudy days, only 23% practice reapplying sunscreen during the day. Inconvenience, lack of time, and forgetting to use were the main reasons for not using sunscreen. Social media was the main source that promoted the participant's sunscreen use. Gender (female), good monthly income, and history of dermatological disease were found to be significantly associated with higher knowledge and use of sunscreen. Conclusion: Students' knowledge about sunscreen use was moderate, Critical gaps in both knowledge and practice was demonstrated among students. Inconsistent sunscreen use was identified. Targeted educational programs are needed to bridge these gaps and enhance awareness about sunscreen use.