BACKGROUND: This is the first local study to assess the level of sun awareness among Filipinos, and the need for a formal national campaign to promote sun protection.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices concerning sun exposure and sun protection among adult Filipinos at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and to determine if these are associated with demographic characteristics.
METHODS: A questionnaire was developed, pre-tested and validated prior to administration to the study population. It consisted of questions aimed at evaluating the respondent's knowledge, attitude and practices regarding sun exposure, and their knowledge on sun protective practices, including sunscreen use. Gamma and Cramer's V correlation coefficients were used to analyze the associations between the variables.
RESULTS: Among the 249 respondents who completed the survey, 97% had adequate knowledge concerning sun exposure (mean score of 81.57). However, knowledge was limited to certain aspects such as the role of childhood sun exposure in carcinogenesis. Older respondents and those with lower socioeconomic status tend to have inadequate knowledge. Most respondents endorsed the desired (negative) attitude towards sun exposure and suntan. Majority (82.5%) spent ≤ 1 hour/day under the sun between 10am-4pm. Younger respondents, those with higher socioeconomic status and skin type III were prone to sun-seeking behaviors. Among the 94% of respondents who demonstrated sun-protective behaviors, staying in the shade (76.6%) was the most common method used.
CONCLUSION: Future sun awareness campaigns in the Philippines should focus on the importance of childhood sun exposure and sunburn as risk factors for developing skin cancer, address misconceptions such as the need for sun protection even on a cloudy day and target subgroups at risk.