KNOWLEDGE OF USING SUN SCREENS FOR SKIN CANCER PREVENTION AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDED IN OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL HOSPITAL OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge about skin cancer and using sun screens as a preventive modality. Method: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess knowledge about skin cancer and using sun screens as a preventive modality for such disease. A convenient sample of 206 people visited in Outpatient department of National hospital of Dermatology and Venereology was recruited in the study. Data was collected by self-reported questionnaire designed by the researchers. Results: The results showed that 73.8% of subjects having basic background information of skin cancer and skin cancer prevention. Noticeably, 72.4% respondents showed sufficient understanding about skin cancer, while only 45.9% of them had the same level of knowledge about using sun screen as a protective method. It was also found that knowledge of those who aged over 45 years old was eight time higher than the younger ones (p<0.005). Respondents with a collage or higher degree had understanding five times higher than the other group (p<0.02). Additionally, in-door working people demonstrated level of cancer awareness 3.8 times higher than those who were working outdoor (p<0.05). No significant difference in knowledge between the group whose main daily transportation was motorcycle and others was found. Conclusion: The study initially evaluates the level of understanding of people about skin cancer and using sun screen as a protective method. The further research in large scale to explore, evaluate related factors as well as interventions need to be done.