Skin cancer incidence has risen in recent decades, with excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure being a significant factor, especially among athletes involved in outdoor sports. This study examines differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding sun exposure and protection between urban and rural college track and field athletes.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Philippines with 60 college track and field athletes selected through nonprobability convenience sampling. A questionnaire, adapted from two local studies, assessed KAP regarding sun exposure. The final questionnaire was then distributed via Google Forms. Pearson’s correlation assessed the relationships between KAP.

Urban and rural athletes lacked adequate knowledge about sun exposure and protection, though urban athletes had a slightly higher knowledge score. Urban athletes exhibited more desirable attitudes toward sun protection. Both the groups showed inadequate sun protection practices. Social media was the most common source of information.

This study found that while locality does not determine sun protection practices, urban athletes showed more positive attitudes. Greater knowledge was linked to better attitudes but did not always translate into improved practices. Addressing barriers that hinder the application of sun protection knowledge is essential to bridging this gap and promoting consistent sun safety behaviors, especially among athletes who engage in outdoor sports.