Awareness of sun exposure and use of sunscreen by the general population of western Libya

Abstract

Sun exposure has a pathogenic effect on the development of skin cancer, whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. Avoidance of sun exposure is considered to be an effective and safe tool for the prevention of skin cancer and photo aging. Sun exposure and photo protection-related behavior and knowledge are important aspects in the prevention of skin cancer and photodermatoses. The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge of Libya's western region regarding sun exposure and the risk of skin cancer, as well as to study their sun-protective attitudes and practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between August and October 2022. A self-structured questionnaire with 100 samples was used for the interviews with the subjects, and 50 pharmacies were also recorded . The questionnaire consisted of four parts. The first part included social demographic data; the second part included different questions about sun exposure and sun protection behavior among study participants; the third part, using sunscreen among study participants; and the fourth part, specialty data from 50 pharmacies. The conclusion of this study indicated good knowledge about the hazards of sun exposure but indicated a low rate of sunscreen use by our population despite reasonable. This necessitates the need for health education programmes