Publication:

Evaluation of the knowledge, attitudes and practices about sun exposure and sunscreen usage in outpatients attending a dermatology clinic in North India

Background Multiple studies are available from West, regarding knowledge, attitude and practices related to sun exposure and usage of sun protective measures, however there is a paucity of such studies in Asian population. India being a tropical country, receives abundant sunlight and Indians are chronically sun exposed. So, we planned to assess the knowledge and awareness about sun protective measures in patients from North India.

Methods A cross-sectional survey using specially designed questionnaires was carried out. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used wherever appropriate.

Results A total of 500 patients were included, with majority being females. The mean age was 48.41 years and Fitzpatrick skin type V (60.4%) was the most commonly observed. 68.2% respondents reported daily sun exposure while 31.8% had reported occasional sun exposure. 34.6% had less than 1 hour of exposure, 20.8% had exposure of 1-3 hours and 44.6% had sun exposure more than 3 hours per day. 88% patients were aware of the harmful effects of sunlight. 74% respondents were aware of the benefits of sunscreen but only 26% were using them. Only 6% of those who were using sunscreen, were using sufficient amount and only 4% were reapplying. Most common reason for not wearing sunscreen was lack of awareness (44%). The most common source for information in our participants was social media and television.

Conclusions This study demonstrated that the knowledge and practice of usage of sunscreen was sub optimal, suggesting the need of awareness programs and targeted interventions to fill this gap.