Knowledge and attitudes towards solar photoprotection in adolescents of 2nd and 3rd year of the unified basic cycle of secondary schools

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: During childhood and adolescence, we receive between 60% to 80% of the solar radiation to which we will be exposed in life, therefore, all solar photoprotection measures (SP) that are implemented in those stages will modify the risk. of photodamage and skin cancer in adulthood. Goals: To evaluate knowledge and attitudes towards sun photoprotection methods (SPM) in adolescent students.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out through an anonymous, voluntary survey of students aged 13 to 18 years in schools in Córdoba Capital, Argentina, a city located 390 meters above sea level. In the period between October 2.021 to December 2.021.

RESULTS: 643 adolescents were evaluated. The average age was 14.1 years. A predominance of skin phototype III was found. In relation to knowledge about SPM, 84.6% did not know the action time of SPF. Furthermore, 51.2% did not know that the sun could cause skin cancer or responded that it could not cause it, and 62.4% did not know that the skin accumulates damage caused by the sun or said that it did not do so. Of those surveyed, 21.3% said that they look very nice when they are tanned and 15.1% consider it a sign of good health.

CONCLUSIONS: We found a clear deficit in the attitudes and knowledge of adolescents regarding MFPS, so this research should be a starting point to encourage strategies for the prevention of skin cancer oriented to photoeducation at school age.