Author(s): Madhabi Lata Shuma1, Maruf Ahmed Hridoy2, Shimul Halder3*
Background: UV exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer in young individuals. Sunscreen reduces skin cancer risk and delays sun-induced aging.
Purpose: To assess Bangladeshi female university student's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about sun exposure and protection from the sun.
Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study includes 302 Bangladeshi female university students. An online pretested questionnaire created with Google Forms was used in the study.
Results: Out of the sample, 283 individuals, representing 93.7% of the total, were identified as sunscreen users. The study utilized multiple logistic regressions to examine the association between sunscreen usage and other sociodemographic factors. According to our investigation, the main reasons for using sunscreen were to reduce the risk of sunburn, prevent skin darkening, address uneven skin pigmentation, and prevent the creation of wrinkles. 78% of participants used sunscreen with an SPF higher than 15. The main reasons for not using sunscreen were lack of concern, time-consuming application, high expense, inefficacy, adverse reactions, and unpleasant texture. The study found that price, brand recognition, SPF rating, media coverage, packaging, endorsements, reduced thickness, water resistance, aroma, and additional sun protection methods affected sunscreen use. Common side effects include acne, skin sensitivity, inflammation, skin color loss, and folliculitis with pus-like discharge. Multiple sunscreen application errors must be found. Sunscreen knowledge may assist our community.
Conclusion: Overall, female university students had good knowledge, attitudes, and practice. However, ongoing awareness can encourage sunscreen use in the future.
