Excessive sun exposure and insufficient protection are primary risk factors for the onset of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. However, there exists scant awareness of this risk among young people and high rates of sunburn have been reported among youngsters.

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined sun exposure and protection behavior by university students.

This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study that enrolled students of education sciences at a university in southern Spain. The data obtained were used to perform a descriptive, comparative analysis, by groups and by gender—of photoprotection and skin self-examination practices.

The findings revealed that of the 315 students who completed the questionnaire, 74.6% had suffered at least one sunburn during the previous year. Few made frequent use of sunscreen or protective clothing and 89.5% did not self-examine their skin. Among the university students, there was little awareness of the risk of excessive sun exposure; self-protection was insufficient; the potential exposure to dangerous levels of ultraviolet radiation was high; and most had suffered one or more sunburns over the past year.

It was concluded that intervention strategies should be implemented to emphasize upon the risks involved and the need for more appropriate sun protection practices. 

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021 Jan 10;18(2):529. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18020529.