BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet radiation is a major modifiable risk factor for aging and skin cancer. Studies assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices towards sun exposure and protection should be conducted on high-risk groups like the triathlete community.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sun exposure and protection among triathletes in Manila, Cebu and Davao City. To determine if these are associated with demographic characteristics, and if knowledge and attitudes are correlated with protective practices.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among adult triathletes evaluating their knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning sun exposure and protection, using a self-administered e-questionnaire.
RESULTS: There were 120 respondents. Almost half of the respondents had inadequate knowledge scores, while majority (83%) had desirable attitudes. Having at least a college degree significantly increased the odds ratio of having a desirable attitude (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.36-26.45). Only 37.5% of the participants practiced good sun protection. Triathletes with Fitzpatrick III phototype had significantly increased odds ratio of having adequate sun protection practices (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.04-4.72), while higher socioeconomic status was associated with poor protection practices (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19-0.90). Only 32.5% of the participants had adequate KAP scores combined.
CONCLUSION: Even though more than half of the respondents had limited knowledge scores, most of them had desirable attitudes towards sun protection. Athletes with adequate knowledge and desirable attitude were more likely to exhibit adequate practice. These findings indicate the pressing need for public health strategies on sun protection for the triathlete community.