Exposure to the sun and sunscreen: An assessment of habits and knowledge among students at the UFMT campus Sinop

Abstract

Excessive sun exposure can cause several clinical effects on the skin, from redness to skin cancer, therefore, it is important to know and use photoprotection measures. The study sought to evaluate the sun exposure habits, use of sunscreens, and knowledge about these subjects by students of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Sinop Campus, located in Sinop-MT, a municipality with high solar incidence. Data were collected through a printed questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics. It was observed that almost half of the students interviewed had sun-sensitive skin tone, a third of the students had a family history of skin cancer and most consider that excessive exposure to sunlight is harmful to their health although many are exposed to sunlight at times of high solar intensity. Various methods of sun protection were mentioned and sunscreen was the main one. Of the interviewees, 100% consider the use of sunscreen important and 68.9% use the product, however, few use it daily and the mode of use is inadequate most of the time. It was possible to conclude that the students from the Sinop Campus of UFMT present knowledge about the risks of sun exposure and the need for better care, but do not always adequately follow the photoprotection measures. Thus, it is suggested that there is an educational intervention that leads to better photoprotection behaviors.