Knowledge and Attitude Regarding the Use of Sun Protection to Prevent Adverse Laser Events Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2023-12, Vol.15 (12), p.e50157-e50157
• Main Authors: Alamri, Ghadeer E, Bondagji, Mohammed F, Kinkar, Lina I, Almasoudi, Eid A, Fageeh, Sarah M, Asiri, Lama G, Bahashwan, Emad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cross-sectional studies; Dermatology; Erythema; Family/General Practice; Internal Medicine; Knowledge; Lasers; Questionnaires; Sample size; Scars; Skin; Social networks; Sunscreen
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50157

Introduction Prolonged sun exposure has been linked with the development of numerous medical and dermatological complications, such as skin cancer. Photoprotection can help reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin damage and skin cancer. This study aims to assess the knowledge about and attitude toward the use of sun protection to prevent laser adverse events among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This is a cross-sectional, analytical, community-based study carried out among the general population (sunscreen users) in Saudi Arabia. A total of 600 participants were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a validated online self-administered questionnaire using Google Forms. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 600 sunscreen users were enrolled in this study, with an overall poor knowledge rate of 471 (78.5%) regarding the use of sun protection methods. Their ages ranged from 18 years to >55 years. The majority of them were females (537, 89.5%), had Saudi Nationality (533, 88.8%), and had skin type III (313, 52.2%). Almost all the participants (491, 81.9%) had undergone laser treatment before; the most reported reason was hair removal (522, 87%). In addition, 267 (44.5%) participants used sunscreens five to six times a week, with 440 (73.3%) also using sunglasses. Notably, only 91 (15.2%) of the study participants were aware that sunscreen covers UVA and UVB, and 34 (5.7%) knew that PA+++ is used in sunscreen. A total of 149 (24.8%) reported that sunscreen should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, while 153 (25.5%) stated that it should be reapplied every two hours. Moreover, 484 (80.7%) participants reported using topical steroid application after laser treatment. The results also showed that young participants ( = 0.001), single participants ( = 0.001), post-graduate participants ( = 0.010), students rather than the unemployed group ( = 0.002), and those who used sunscreens five to six times per week compared to those who never used sunscreens ( = 0.001) demonstrated an overall good knowledge about sunscreens and laser treatment. Conclusions The study showed poor knowledge among the participants regarding the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser events. Therefore, an increase in awareness among the general public about the protection through campaigns is highly recommended.