Palestinian Pharmacists’ Knowledge of Issues Related to Sunscreens: a cross-sectional study
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Date
2016-05-25
Authors
Sultan abu Libdah
Mariam Albarbarawi
Eslam Shakarneh
Arwa Mustafa
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Abstract
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the principle cause of basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, which are the most frequent tumors occurring in white residents of the United States. Knowledge of pharmacists on skin cancer and sunscreens were not assessed before in the Palestinian pharmacy practice. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of pharmacists practicing in Palestine on skin cancer and sun protection techniques including the use of sunscreens. This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design. Pharmacists were visited in their places of work and when consented, responded to a questionnaire. The study tool was a questionnaire which consisted of 4 sections. In this study, 338 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Nearly 90% are aware of the effectiveness of sunscreens in preventing sunburn. 78% knew that SPF stand for sun protection factor and about 74% knew that family history of skin cancer is a risk factor for contacting skin cancer. Despite some high awareness areas, gaps in knowledge might be filled with pedagogic interventions.