Association Between Knowledge Level and Attitudes Towards Sunscreen Use Behavior

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Protective measures are essential when considering the dangers of UV radiation. One effective
method of protecting the skin from such radiation is to apply sunscreen. The aim of this study
is to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitude towards the use of sunscreen.
The research design was analytical observation using a cross-sectional approach with a
questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Technical abbreviations that are being used will
be explained at the beginning of the questionnaire section. The study was conducted in SMK
Garuda Nusantara Karangawen, Demak. The participants were female students aged 16-18 years
belonging to grade X-XII. A total of 180 respondents were selected using the accidental sampling
technique. Data were gathered through the distribution of online questionnaires via Google
Forms, which were shared via WhatsApp groups for each grade with the help of school teachers.
The questionnaire began with informed consent, which included the name, age and class of the
students. The questionnaire consisted of 14 questions regarding knowledge about sunscreen, 10
questions focused on respondents' attitudes toward sunscreen use, and 13 questions concerned
with their sunscreen use behavior.  The collected data were analyzed utilizing the Spearman Rank
correlation test.The results show that the 180 students that were tested, 58.9% showed that they
have enough knowledge about sunscreen. The majority of students (69.4%) demonstrated
excellent sunscreen use behavior, and almost all of the children had a positive attitude toward
using sunscreen. The rank spearman correlation test revealed no correlation between sunscreen
knowledge and application (p=0.788). A ranked Spearman's test result for the sunscreen attitude
variable revealed a (p=0.132), demonstrating a lack of relationship between sunscreen knowledge
and sunscreen usage behaviour. All in all, there is no significant relationship between knowledge
and attitude towards sunscreen use behavior.
 
Keywords: Behavior, Knowledge, Sunscreen