Determination of sunscreen and cosmetic product use awareness in adolescents

Abstract

Aim: Using an appropriate sunscreen is very important because the role of sun rays in development of skin cancer is well known. Besides, the recent increase in the use of cosmetics among adolescents is noteworthy. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of using cosmetics and the level of awareness of harmful effects of the sun, in adolescents. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a questionnaire consisted of 25 questions was applied, on voluntary basis, in middle schools. Results: A total of 607 students participated in the study; 434 participants were female students (71.5%), 173 were male students (28.5%) and the average age was 17 years. The question “Do you think it is necessary to protect from the sun?” is answered as “yes” by 361 of the female students (81.1%) and 109 of the male students (62.3%). The question “Do you use sunscreen?” is answered as “Yes” by 33.3% of all participants. Conclusion: In our study, we found that adolescents had a good understanding of the harmful effects of sun, but in contrast to this, we found that the use of sunscreen products was at very low levels. We think that education and methods for building awareness in this regard will be effective.