Sun awareness and sun protection among persons attending dermatology clinics in Malta

Abstract

On a global level, public awareness of the harmful effects of the sun on the skin, namely skin cancer and photo ageing, has gradually increased largely as a result of ongoing public educational campaigns. In order to assess the current level of knowledge of sun-related skin damage, and to evaluate sun protection habits among Maltese persons (aged 16-50 years) attending dermatology clinics in 3 local hospitals, we undertook a questionnaire survey. A total of 333 valid completed questionnaires were available for evaluation. The vast majority of respondents were aware that exposure to the sun causes skin cancer (93%) and skin ageing (85%). In addition, 69% of the respondents knew that skin cancer can kill. Overall however, this high level of sun awareness is not being translated into safe practice. Occupational sun exposure is substantially greater in men. Notwithstanding this trend men use sunscreens far less than women when out in the sun both at work and during leisure. Pursuing outdoor leisure activities including going to the beach during hours of peak sunshine in spring and summer is popular. The general level of sun protection during leisure is unacceptably low. The media are considered to be by far the most influential source of information on the subject of the sun and the skin. The results of this survey can be used to guide future sun awareness campaigns to focus on issues and population subgroups that need most emphasis.