Assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards sun-exposure and skin cancer in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND Although there is an emergent increase in the epidemiology of skin cancer in Saudi Arabia, yet knowledge, attitude, and awareness towards skin cancer prevention measures is still poor. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes and practice towards skin cancer among the Saudi population, as well as, to evaluate the level of awareness relating to exposure to sunlight. METHODS This cross-sectional survey involved 438 participants who were randomly selected from Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data regarding skin cancer. The questionnaire focused on three main aspects knowledge, attitude, and practice. The skin cancer quality of life impact tool (SCQOLIT) was employed. RESULTS The present study included 438 participants, aged 18 to 55 years old. The response in the present study was 81.9%. Regarding the causes and effects of skin cancer, 61.2% of the respondents have prior knowledge about it. The positive attitude about skin cancer was exhibited by 68.9%, and only 31.1% showed a negative attitude towards it. CONCLUSION In conclusion, Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards skin cancer still under the desired level to prevent skin cancer and its related conditions in Saudi Arabia. Greater emphasis should be made through awareness campaigns and available media to raise the knowledge about implications related to prolonged exposure to sunlight.