Conhecimentos e hábitos referentes à fotoproteção e ao câncer de pele em estudantes universitários: um estudo transversal no sul do Brasil

Abstract

The sunlight has essencial biological effects to human life. However, the excessive exposure causes health damages, like sunburns, photoaging and skin cancer (SC). Under a perspective of prevention, the sun exposure behaviour has been the central focus, since it is the main risk factor for skin cancer and it is also changeable. Knowing the profile of photoprotection and risk factors of populations is fundamental to support SC preventive programs. Young people, such as university students, may be at increased risk for SC development due to the appreciation of the tan and the practice of outdoor activities. This cross-sectional study evaluated the photoprotection habits and knowledge about SC of a university population, composed of undergraduate students from the Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. We selected students from the health area, from professional areas related to greater photoexposure and from courses not related to these characteristics, totaling 371 students in sample. Recruitment ocurred from October 2016 to February 2017. The level of knowledge on the subject was satisfactory in less than 90% of students. The data showed that 92% of the students already had sunburns, and 25.5% stated at least one episode of burns with bubbles. Adequately used sunscreen was reported by only 34.3% of subjects. Students in the professional risk areas were associated with a higher number of sunburns of the second degree, greater time of photoexposure including leisure activities, and only a minority (14.4%) had photoprotection orientation during the academic life. Those who had this type of orientation in the total sample were associated with greater adhesion to the use of sunscreen - reinforcing the effectiveness and importance of photoeducation. These data are consistent with current literature, and will serve as a basis for targeted and effective SC preventive strategies for this age group.