A study of knowledge about solar radiation and sun protection among adolescents and young adults in Poland
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2023.44.01.006Keywords
sunscreen, sun protection, solar radiation, UV radiationAbstract
Introduction
Solar radiation plays an important role in many biological processes of the body. It is necessary for the production of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in the human body, which plays an essential role in maintaining bone and immune system function. Excessive and inappropriate exposure, however, can lead to serious health effects, especially when it comes to the skin.
Knowledge about sun protection and the effects of solar radiation among young adults plays a key role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and cancer prevention.
Objective
The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of adolescents and young adults about solar radiation and sun protection.
Materials and methods
This study was conducted among 194 people from Poland, aged 15 to 30, consisting of adolescents and young adults. A specially developed original questionnaire was used to collect the data on knowledge about solar radiation, sun protection, and the use of creams with SPF filter.
Results
The study group included 117 (60.3%) women and 77 (39,7%) men. The average age of the respondents was 22,8 ±3,83 years. Most respondents are aware of the need to use sunscreen, but the frequency of use depends mainly on the season ( 34.3% always use sunscreen, and 40.4% use it mainly in the summer). There is a group of people (16.3%) who declare that they never use sun protect cream.
According to the results, only a small group of respondents (7.2%) gave correct answers to all the questions and some people (6.2%) did not answer any of the questions.
Conclusions
The study shows the need for further efforts to increase the young people’s knowledge and awareness of sun protection and to promote healthy habits in the use of SPF sunscreen.
References
Matusiak Ł, Baran E. Oparzenia słoneczne – problem wciąż aktualny, Medycyna po Dyplomie 2007;16/7:12-18 Accessed 23 June 2023.
Narbutt J, Wolska H, Kaszuba A, Langner A, Lesiak A, Maj J, Placek W, Reich A, Rudnicka L, Zegarska B. Photoprotection. Recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society. Part 1: Ultraviolet radiation and sunscreens Dermatol Rev/Przegl Dermatol 2018, 105, 19–29 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/dr.2018.74163.
Young A R, Claveau J, Rossi A B: Ultraviolet radiation and the skin: photobiology and sunscreen photoprotection. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017, 76 (3S1), S100-S109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.09.038
Osterwalder U, Herzog B. Sun protection factors: world wide confusion Br J Dermatol. 2009 Nov;161 Suppl 3:13-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09506.x PMID: 19775352
Kostrzewska P, Mandera A, Pawlikowska A, Szuster E. Sunscreens as a prevention of the photoaging. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2020;10(8):11-16. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2020.10.08.001.
Krutmann J. Ultraviolet A radiation-induced biological effects in human skin: relevance for photoaging and photodermatosis. J Dermatol Sci 2000; 23 Suppl 1: 22-6.
Wolber R, Schlenz K, Wakamatsu K, et al. Pigmentation effects of solar-simulated radiation as compared with UVA and UVB radiation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2008; 21:487-91.
Li H, Colantonio S., Dawson A, Lin X, Beecker J. Sunscreen Application, Safety and Sun Protection: The Evidence. J. Cutan Med Surg. 2019 Jul/Aug; 23(4):357-369. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1203475419856611 Epub 2019 Jun 20. PMID: 31219707
The American Academy of Dermatology. How to select a sunscreen. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-select-sunscreen. Accessed 26 June 2023.
Ozga-Stachurska A, Wójcik-Grudzień J, Pawłowska P, Rozenbajgier M. Do sunscreens have more positive or negative effects? Study review Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2022;12(9):685-691. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2022.12.09.081. Polish.
Guerra K C, Crane J S. Sunburn. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. 2022 Aug 28. PMID: 30521258 Bookshelf ID: NBK534837
Narbutt J, Wolska H, Kaszuba A, Langner A, Lesiak A, Maj J, Placek W, Reich A, Rudnicka L, Zegarska B. Photoprotection. Recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society. Part 2: Sunscreen use Dermatol Rev/Przegl Dermatol 2018, 105, 30–40 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/dr.2018.74164. Polish
Milanowska M, Grudzińska A, Jarosz D, Tsitko H, Dudzińska P. Skin cancer’s prevention in the light of current medical knowledge. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2023;23(1):35-39. eISSN2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2023.23.01.004. Polish.
Rutkowski P, Owczarek W, Nejc D et al. Expert recommendation on diagnostic-therapeutic management in skin carcinomas. Oncol Clin Pract. DOI:10.5603/OCP.2021.0032.
Hirst NG, Gordon LG, Scuffham PA, Green AC. Lifetime cost-effectiveness of skin cancer prevention through promotion of daily sunscreen use. Value Health 2012; 15: 261-8.
Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29: 257-63.
Almutawa F., Vandal R., Wang S.Q., Lim H.W. Current status of photoprotection by window glass, automobile glass, window films, and sunglasses. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2013, 29, 65-72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.12022
Łyko M, Kruzel M, Kuś A, Maj J, Szepietowski J C, Jankowska-Konsur A. Sun protection among university students in Poland: a survey of awareness and attitudes. Adv Dermatol Allergol 2021; XXXVIII (6): 961–966. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2020.96709
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Anna Szabrańska, Monika Zach-Źródlak, Natalia Rektor, Paulina Bronst, Lidia Rosa, Aleksandra Małolepsza, Magdalena Mazur, Klaudia Kister, Julia Czechowska, Jakub Laskowski
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The periodical offers access to content in the Open Access system under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
Stats
Number of views and downloads: 681
Number of citations: 0
