Evaluation of knowledge and behaviors towards the harmful effects of sun exposure among individuals consulted family health centers in Manisa

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15312836

Keywords:

The Harmful Effects of The Sun, Sun Protection, Sunscreen, Attitude, Prevalence

Abstract

The aim of our study is to determine the knowledge and behaviors related to the harmful effects and protective measures of sun among individuals aged 18 and above at selected family health centers in Manisa. The sample size for this cross-sectional study was calculated as 350 individuals. The dependent variables of our study were "the level of knowledge about the harmful effects of the sun and protective behaviors against sunlight of adults". The independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, the presence of chronic diseases and skin disorders, skin type, history of sunburn, attitudes towards sun protection behaviors, behaviors related to self-protection from sunlight (such as wearing sunglasses and sunscreen etc.), and methods of protecting children from the sun for those with children. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 statistical software package, and the Type I error rate was set at 0,050. In the study group, 54.60% had an adequate level of knowledge about the harmful effects of the sun, with an average knowledge score of 12,63±5,48, and the average total score of the Sun Protection Behavior Scale was found to be 23,19±6,08. According to multivariate analyses, being male, having a lower level of education, belonging to lower social class, having poor attitude towards sun protection, never having experienced sunburn, and having darker skin tone were identified as risk factors for lower levels of sun protection knowledge. Additionally, younger age, being male, being married, and having poor attitude towards sun protection were statistically found to be risk factors for inadequate sun protection behavior. Half of our study group was found to have insufficient knowledge about the harmful effects of the sun, which indicates a need for improvement. To address this, visual and auditory media can be utilized, and educational programs targeting individuals and the community should be organized in primary healthcare institutions. Reminders during the summer months are also recommended. These efforts may prioritize men. Considering the importance of sun exposure during childhood, educational programs provided in schools and primary healthcare settings will play a crucial role in developing appropriate attitudes and behaviors.

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Published

2025-05-01

How to Cite

Oruç Özdemir, İlknur, Bilgin Şahin, B., Alkan, G., Ergün, H. S., Kökçü, H., Gönülcan, S., Tekin, G., & Ersoy, G. (2025). Evaluation of knowledge and behaviors towards the harmful effects of sun exposure among individuals consulted family health centers in Manisa. HALK SAĞLIĞI ARAŞTIRMA VE UYGULAMALARI DERGİSİ, 3(1), 18–26. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15312836

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Section

Research Articles

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