Correlation of skin cancer and actinic keratosis-related knowledge and sun protection behaviors and sunscreen use among a sample of Jordanian population

Abstract

Background: The incidence of skin cancer and actinic keratosis has increased worldwide. Measuring the public awareness, attitude, and knowledge about these diseases and the skin protection behaviors are highly important to undertake preventive measures.

Methods: To investigate skin cancer and actinic keratosis-related knowledge, sun protection behaviors, and sunscreen usage among Jordanians, a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was provided as a google form to individuals via social media and the data were analyzed using SPSS^® 23.

Results: A total of 1277 individuals, aged 18-65 years filled the questionnaire. The median melanoma and actinic keratosis knowledge score were 7 (4-9) and 4 (0-9), respectively. The melanoma knowledge was higher among females, those with a medical background, a high level of education, and in the central region, whereas the AK knowledge was higher among those with a medical background. Overall, 75.9% of the participants used sunscreen at least often to prevent sunburn, uneven skin tone, or tanning, 72% were using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 at least. However, 45.3% and 49.2% of sunscreen users did not comply with application, and reapplication times, respectively. Moreover, 58.4% of participants applied less than the recommended amount of sunscreen.

Conclusion: Our study revealed that public awareness of actinic keratosis is low among Jordanians. Although it was found that a high proportion of Jordanians use sunscreens there are deficits in sunscreen practice indicating an urgent need to design effective interventions to increase awareness of actinic keratosis and correct use of sunscreen via health campaigns or healthcare professions.

Keywords: actinic keratosis; melanoma; skin cancer; sun protection; sunscreen.