Abstract
Introduction
Prolonged sun exposure has been linked with the development of numerous medical and dermatological complications, such as skin cancer. Photoprotection can help reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin damage and skin cancer. This study aims to assess the knowledge about and attitude toward the use of sun protection to prevent laser adverse events among the general population in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology
This is a cross-sectional, analytical, community-based study carried out among the general population (sunscreen users) in Saudi Arabia. A total of 600 participants were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a validated online self-administered questionnaire using Google Forms. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).
Results
A total of 600 sunscreen users were enrolled in this study, with an overall poor knowledge rate of 471 (78.5%) regarding the use of sun protection methods. Their ages ranged from 18 years to >55 years. The majority of them were females (537, 89.5%), had Saudi Nationality (533, 88.8%), and had skin type III (313, 52.2%). Almost all the participants (491, 81.9%) had undergone laser treatment before; the most reported reason was hair removal (522, 87%). In addition, 267 (44.5%) participants used sunscreens five to six times a week, with 440 (73.3%) also using sunglasses. Notably, only 91 (15.2%) of the study participants were aware that sunscreen covers UVA and UVB, and 34 (5.7%) knew that PA+++ is used in sunscreen. A total of 149 (24.8%) reported that sunscreen should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, while 153 (25.5%) stated that it should be reapplied every two hours. Moreover, 484 (80.7%) participants reported using topical steroid application after laser treatment. The results also showed that young participants (P = 0.001), single participants (P = 0.001), post-graduate participants (P = 0.010), students rather than the unemployed group (P = 0.002), and those who used sunscreens five to six times per week compared to those who never used sunscreens (P = 0.001) demonstrated an overall good knowledge about sunscreens and laser treatment.
Conclusions
The study showed poor knowledge among the participants regarding the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser events. Therefore, an increase in awareness among the general public about the protection through campaigns is highly recommended.
Keywords: saudi arabia, knowledge, awareness, laser treatment, sunscreens, sun protection, sun exposure
Introduction
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is among the most influential environmental variables in the human body [1]. UVR improves health by lowering stress, enhancing mental activity, activating vitamin D3, and curing dermatological problems [2]. Conversely, extensive exposure to UVR has been linked to an increased risk of developing skin cancer and other forms of skin damage. It may also lead to sunburn, skin discoloration, and accelerated aging [3]. Photoprotection is essential for skin health, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) reduction, photoaging, and photocarcinogenesis prevention. Avoiding the sun, finding shade, using photoprotective clothing, wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and using broad-spectrum sunscreens are all photoprotective strategies [4].
Lasers have completely changed the field of cosmetic dermatology by making it easier and safer to treat a wide range of skin diseases. Treatment options for a wide range of skin problems are now available, for example, benign vascular and pigmented birthmarks, tattoos, hypertrophic scars, and keloids [5]. Laser treatment may also cause unwanted side effects such as PIH, blisters, pain, crusting, hypopigmentation, purpura, dermatitis, and atrophic scarring [6]. Of the list of possible adverse effects, PIH is the most common. While more common in those with darker skin tones, PIH can affect people of any age and skin color. Inflammatory recurrence and/or sun exposure might make it much worse [7]. Treatment of PIH as soon as possible is vital for its resolution and for preventing additional darkening [8].
Numerous sun protection initiatives have been created in many Western countries to raise public awareness about the risks of sun exposure and promote the use of sun protection methods. However, sun protection compliance remains inadequate. There is limited research on this topic in Saudi Arabia [9]. Our study aims to assess the knowledge about and attitudes toward the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser treatment events among the general population in Saudi Arabia.
Materials and methods
Study design
This is a population-based cross-sectional study using a self-report questionnaire distributed through social media platforms with randomized sampling among the general population of Saudi Arabia between October and November 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Biomedical Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia (approval number HAPO-02-K-012-2023-04-1599).
Study population
This study included males and females aged over 18 years who had previously undergone laser treatment. We excluded non-Arabic speakers.
Data collection and instrument survey
A reliable, simple, understandable, Arabic-based questionnaire was designed in Google Forms. The method protected participants' privacy and was a self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed electronically via social media to the target population. We grouped the items of the questionnaire into five main sections: Section 1 - consent form; Section 2 - sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, level of education, etc.); Section 3 - use of laser and history of laser treatment; Section 4 - questions that assess participants' behavior toward and knowledge of sun protection; and Section 5 - assessment of participants' attitude toward and knowledge of sun protection to prevent adverse laser treatment events. The study questionnaire was reviewed by two experts and validated via a pilot study on 20 persons.
Sample size and sampling technique
The minimum sample size required for this study was calculated by OpenEpi Version 3.0 in consideration of the following. The population size was about 8,325,304 individuals (according to the General Authority for Statistics), a confidence interval (CI) level set at 95%, and an anticipated frequency of 50%. The sample size was calculated to be 385 participants. The total sample size was 400 participants in case of dropout. However, the final sample size was 600.
Statistical analysis
Data were collected and reviewed manually and then analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY. All statistical methods used were two-tailed, with an alpha level of 0.05. Findings were considered significant if the P-value was less than or equal to 0.05. Overall knowledge levels regarding sunscreens and laser treatment were assessed by summing up discrete scores for different correct knowledge items. The overall knowledge score was categorized as low if the participant’s score was less than 60% of the overall score. Good awareness was defined by a score of 60% or more of the overall score.
Descriptive analysis used frequency distributions and percentages for study variables, including participants’ data, history of laser treatment, as well as associated complications, sun exposure, and behaviors. Participants' knowledge about sunscreens and their role in laser treatment was tabulated, and participants’ overall knowledge and practices were plotted. Cross-tabulations showing the distribution of participants’ overall knowledge level by their data and other factors used Pearson’s chi-square test for significance and exact probability test if there were small frequency distributions.
Results
A total of 600 sunscreen users in Saudi Arabia met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The ages ranged from 18 to over 55 years, with a mean age of 27.8 ± 13.6 years. Of the respondents, 537 (89.5%) were females and 533 (88.8%) were Saudi. By region, 209 (34.8%) participants were from the central region, 139 (23.2%) from the eastern region, and 104 (17.3%) from the western region. Considering skin type, 313 (52.2%) had light brown skin, 163 (27.2%) had white skin, and 95 (15.8%) had moderate brown skin, as detailed in Table 1.
Table 1. Personal characteristics of study participants in Saudi Arabia.
| Personal data | n | % |
| Age in years | ||
| 18-25 | 220 | 36.7 |
| 26-35 | 179 | 29.8 |
| 36-45 | 115 | 19.2 |
| 46-55 | 69 | 11.5 |
| >55 | 17 | 2.8 |
| Gender | ||
| Male | 63 | 10.5 |
| Female | 537 | 89.5 |
| Region | ||
| Central | 209 | 34.8 |
| Northern | 54 | 9.0 |
| Eastern | 139 | 23.2 |
| Western | 104 | 17.3 |
| Southern | 94 | 15.7 |
| Marital status | ||
| Single | 267 | 44.5 |
| Married | 312 | 52.0 |
| Divorced/widow | 21 | 3.5 |
| Educational level | ||
| Secondary/below | 98 | 16.3 |
| Diploma | 74 | 12.3 |
| Bachelor | 384 | 64.0 |
| Post-graduate | 44 | 7.3 |
| Employment | ||
| Unemployed | 175 | 29.2 |
| Student | 184 | 30.7 |
| Employed | 199 | 33.2 |
| Free works | 42 | 7.0 |
| Nationality | ||
| Saudi | 533 | 88.8 |
| Non-Saudi | 67 | 11.2 |
| Skin type | ||
| Pale white skin | 20 | 3.3 |
| White skin | 163 | 27.2 |
| Light-brown skin | 313 | 52.2 |
| Moderate brown skin | 95 | 15.8 |
| Dark-brown skin | 8 | 1.3 |
| Black skin | 1 | 2 |
As for laser treatment and associated complications, 168 (28%) underwent laser treatment one to three times in the last year, and 160 (26.7%) had undergone it more than 10 times. Regarding the reasons for laser treatment, the most commonly reported was for hair removal (522, 87%). Specifically, out of 174 (29%) laser users, complications were experienced, including erythema in 83 (47.7%) and skin burns in 64 (36.8%), as detailed in Table 2.
Table 2. Laser treatment and associated complications among study participants in Saudi Arabia.
| Laser treatment | n | % |
| Times of laser treatment | ||
| 1-3 times | 168 | 28.0 |
| 4-6 times | 163 | 27.2 |
| 7-9 times | 109 | 18.2 |
| ≥10 times | 160 | 26.7 |
| Do you know the name of laser? | ||
| Yes | 286 | 47.7 |
| No | 314 | 52.3 |
| Reasons for using laser treatment | ||
| Hair removal | 522 | 87.0 |
| Acne | 62 | 10.3 |
| Dark spots | 48 | 8.0 |
| Melasma | 25 | 4.2 |
| Freckles | 15 | 2.5 |
| Redness | 12 | 2.0 |
| Scar | 9 | 1.5 |
| Others | 9 | 1.5 |
| Wrinkles | 8 | 1.3 |
| Experienced complications after laser treatment? | ||
| Yes | 174 | 29.0 |
| No | 426 | 71.0 |
| Type of complications (n = 174) | ||
| Erythema | 83 | 47.7 |
| Skin burn | 64 | 36.8 |
| Hyperpigmentation | 36 | 20.7 |
| Scar | 21 | 12.1 |
| Others | 11 | 6.3 |
The study also assessed behaviors and sun exposure among sunscreen users and revealed that 331 (55.2%) of study participants were exposed to the sun for less than 30 minutes, 67 (11.2%) had a history of sunburn for one time, and 56 (9.3%) had for two to three times. A total of 437 (72.8%) used sunscreens and 267 (44.5%) did this five to six times per week. Regarding methods of dealing with sun rays, 522 (87%) participants stayed in the shade, 440 (73.3%) wore sunglasses, 243 (40.5%) wore brimmed hats, and only 126 (21%) used an umbrella, as detailed in Table 3.
Table 3. Behaviors and sun exposure among study participants in Saudi Arabia.
| Sun exposure | n | % |
| Duration of sun exposure | ||
| <30 minutes | 331 | 55.2 |
| 30 minutes | 186 | 31.0 |
| 2 hours or more | 83 | 13.8 |
| History of sunburn in one year | ||
| Never | 477 | 79.5 |
| 1 time | 67 | 11.2 |
| 2-3 times | 56 | 9.3 |
| Application of sunscreen products | ||
| Never | 163 | 27.2 |
| 2-3 times per month | 76 | 12.7 |
| 2-4 times/week | 94 | 15.7 |
| 5-6 times/week | 267 | 44.5 |
| Wearing a brimmed hat | ||
| Never | 357 | 59.5 |
| 2-3 times/month | 41 | 6.8 |
| 2-4 times/week | 46 | 7.7 |
| 5-6 times/week | 156 | 26.0 |
| Staying in the shade | ||
| Never | 78 | 13.0 |
| 2-3 times/month | 83 | 13.8 |
| 2-4 times/week | 98 | 16.3 |
| 5-6 times/week | 341 | 56.8 |
| Usage of an umbrella | ||
| Never | 474 | 79.0 |
| 2-3 times/month | 31 | 5.2 |
| 2-4 times/week | 24 | 4.0 |
| 5-6 times/week | 71 | 11.8 |
| Usage of sun glasses | ||
| Never | 160 | 26.7 |
| 2-3 times/month | 72 | 12.0 |
| 2-4 times/week | 81 | 13.5 |
| 5-6 times/week | 287 | 47.8 |
Concerning knowledge of the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser treatment events, nearly 91 (15.2%) of the study participants knew that sunscreen covers UVA and UVB, 263 (43.8%) knew that SPF 30-50 or more is used in sunscreen, and only 34 (5.7%) knew that PA+++ is used in sunscreen. As for the amount of sunscreen for the face, 221 (36.8%) mentioned that it should be a digit finger or two digits, and 205 (34.2%) stated that sunscreen should be used both at home and outdoors. A total of 149 (24.8%) reported that sunscreen should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, and 153 (25.5%) knew that it should be reapplied every two hours. Exactly 222 (37%) of the participants knew that sunscreen should be applied the next day after laser treatment, as detailed in Table 4.
Table 4. Knowledge about the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser treatment events among the general population in Saudi Arabia.
UVR, ultraviolet radiation; SPF, sun protection factor
| Knowledge items | n | % |
| Sunscreen covers UVR | ||
| UVA | 97 | 16.2 |
| UVB | 34 | 5.7 |
| Both | 91 | 15.2 |
| Don't know | 378 | 63.0 |
| SPF of sunscreen | ||
| 30-50 or more | 263 | 43.8 |
| <30 | 70 | 11.7 |
| Don't know | 267 | 44.5 |
| PA of sunscreen | ||
| PA+++ | 34 | 5.7 |
| PA++ | 72 | 12.0 |
| PA+ | 65 | 10.8 |
| Don't know | 429 | 71.5 |
| Amount of sunscreen for face | ||
| Digit finger or two digits | 221 | 36.8 |
| Small pea or half of one-digit finger | 250 | 41.7 |
| Don't know | 129 | 21.5 |
| When to apply sunscreen | ||
| At home and outdoor | 205 | 34.2 |
| Outdoor only | 363 | 60.5 |
| At home only | 32 | 5.3 |
| Sunscreen application prior to sun exposure | ||
| 20-30 minutes before | 149 | 24.8 |
| 5-10 minutes before | 253 | 42.2 |
| Immediately before | 117 | 19.5 |
| Don't know | 81 | 13.5 |
| Sunscreen reapplication | ||
| Repeat every two hours | 153 | 25.5 |
| Repeat anytime | 101 | 16.8 |
| No repeat | 346 | 57.7 |
| When to apply sunscreen after laser treatment | ||
| The next day after laser | 222 | 37.0 |
| 2-3 days after laser | 93 | 15.5 |
| After the healing of the wound | 160 | 26.7 |
| Immediately after laser | 125 | 20.8 |
Exactly 129 (21.5%) demonstrated an overall good knowledge about sunscreen use and laser treatment, while 471 (78.5%) had a poor knowledge level (Figure 1). Considering the practice and sunscreen use with laser treatment, a total of 484 (80.7%) reported using topical anti-inflammatory drug (topical steroid) application after laser treatment, 235 (39.2%) applied sunscreen four to six weeks before laser treatment, and 219 (36.5%) applied sunscreen after laser treatment (Figure 2).
Figure 1. Overall participants' knowledge about the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser treatment events in Saudi Arabia.
Figure 2. Practices and sunscreen use with laser treatment among study participants in Saudi Arabia.
The study showed that nearly 64 (29.1%) of young participants had an overall good knowledge level versus 2 (11.8%) of those aged more than 55 years with recorded statistical significance (P = 0.001). Also, 80 (30%) of single participants had a good knowledge level compared to 45 (14.4%) of married participants (P = 0.001). Good knowledge about sunscreens was detected among 12 (27.3%) post-graduate participants compared to 9 (9.2%) of those with low education (P = 0.010) and among 54 (29.3%) students in comparison to 22 (12.6%) of the unemployed group (P = 0.002). Likewise, 28 (33.7%) of those who were exposed to sun rays for two hours or more had good knowledge about sunscreens compared to 56 (16.9%) of those who were exposed less than 30 minutes (P = 0.002). In addition, 93 (34.8%) of those who used sunscreens five to six times a week had good knowledge compared to 6 (3.7%) of those who never used sunscreens (P = 0.001) (Table 5).
Table 5. Factors associated with participants' knowledge about sunscreens and laser treatment.
*Significant P-value.
$Exact probability test.
| Factors | Overall knowledge level | P-value | ||||
| Poor | Good | |||||
| n | % | n | % | |||
| Age in years | 18-25 | 156 | 70.9 | 64 | 29.1 | 0.001* |
| 26-35 | 139 | 77.7 | 40 | 22.3 | ||
| 36-45 | 97 | 84.3 | 18 | 15.7 | ||
| 46-55 | 64 | 92.8 | 5 | 7.2 | ||
| >55 | 15 | 88.2 | 2 | 11.8 | ||
| Gender | Male | 52 | 82.5 | 11 | 17.5 | 0.409 |
| Female | 419 | 78.0 | 118 | 22.0 | ||
| Region | Central | 174 | 83.3 | 35 | 16.7 | 0.098 |
| Northern | 45 | 83.3 | 9 | 16.7 | ||
| Eastern | 99 | 71.2 | 40 | 28.8 | ||
| Western | 80 | 76.9 | 24 | 23.1 | ||
| Southern | 73 | 77.7 | 21 | 22.3 | ||
| Marital status | Single | 187 | 70.0 | 80 | 30.0 | 0.001* |
| Married | 267 | 85.6 | 45 | 14.4 | ||
| Divorced/widow | 17 | 81.0 | 4 | 19.0 | ||
| Educational level | Secondary/below | 89 | 90.8 | 9 | 9.2 | 0.010* |
| Diploma | 59 | 79.7 | 15 | 20.3 | ||
| Bachelor | 291 | 75.8 | 93 | 24.2 | ||
| Post-graduate | 32 | 72.7 | 12 | 27.3 | ||
| Employment | Unemployed | 153 | 87.4 | 22 | 12.6 | 0.002* |
| Student | 130 | 70.7 | 54 | 29.3 | ||
| Employed | 156 | 78.4 | 43 | 21.6 | ||
| Free works | 32 | 76.2 | 10 | 23.8 | ||
| Skin type | Pale white skin | 14 | 70.0 | 6 | 30.0 | 0.663$ |
| white skin | 133 | 81.6 | 30 | 18.4 | ||
| Light brown skin | 245 | 78.3 | 68 | 21.7 | ||
| Moderate brown skin | 71 | 74.7 | 24 | 25.3 | ||
| Dark brown skin | 7 | 87.5 | 1 | 12.5 | ||
| Black skin | 1 | 100.0 | 0 | 0.0 | ||
| Times of laser treatment | 1-3 times | 137 | 81.5 | 31 | 18.5 | 0.190 |
| 4-6 times | 127 | 77.9 | 36 | 22.1 | ||
| 7-9 times | 90 | 82.6 | 19 | 17.4 | ||
| ≥10 times | 117 | 73.1 | 43 | 26.9 | ||
| Experienced complications after laser treatment? | Yes | 131 | 75.3 | 43 | 24.7 | 0.221 |
| No | 340 | 79.8 | 86 | 20.2 | ||
| Duration of sun exposure | <30 minutes | 275 | 83.1 | 56 | 16.9 | 0.002* |
| 30 minutes | 141 | 75.8 | 45 | 24.2 | ||
| 2 hours or more | 55 | 66.3 | 28 | 33.7 | ||
| Application of sunscreen products | Never | 157 | 96.3 | 6 | 3.7 | 0.001* |
| 2-3 times/month | 69 | 90.8 | 7 | 9.2 | ||
| 2-4 times/week | 71 | 75.5 | 23 | 24.5 | ||
| 5-6 times/week | 174 | 65.2 | 93 | 34.8 | ||
Discussion
Sun UVR exposure is the principal source of vitamin D and a significant contributor to skin cancer [10]. One of the most important things that can be done to protect the skin from the hazardous effects of UVR is to use sunscreen. Sunscreen is a chemical substance designed to shield the skin from UV rays [11]. Skin cancer, including melanoma and nonmelanoma, can be prevented by wearing sunscreen [12,13].
This study aimed to assess knowledge of sun protection and its role in preventing adverse laser treatment events among the general population in Saudi Arabia. The study revealed that about one-fourth of the participants underwent laser treatment one to three times during the last year; another one-fourth underwent it four to six times; and the same percent underwent it more than 10 times. As for reasons for laser treatment, the most frequently reported were for hair removal (522, 87%). Less than one-third of laser users experienced complications. These included erythema, skin burns, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Similar findings were reported by Al Hindi et al. [14] because hair removal is one of the most commonly reported cosmetic procedures in Saudi Arabia. Hammadi and El-Shereef [15] reported that about one-fourth of Saudi participants know about skin lasers for hair removal in Taif City. The reported complications were consistent with those most commonly reported in the literature related to laser skin treatment [16-19].
Regarding sunscreen use, this study showed that nearly three-fourths of those who underwent skin laser treatment used sunscreens 5 to 6 times per week, as reported by most participants. Al Jasser et al. [20] found that half of the Saudi students used sunscreen, with the main motivations being to avoid sunburns, dark spots, skin cancer, and general skin darkening. Another study revealed that the use of sunscreen among students at a Saudi university was about 139 (35%) [21]. The general population uses sunscreen less frequently than students (114, 8.3%) of the general population in Qassim [22]. About 629 (24%) of the general population in Saudi Arabia uses sunscreen according to a different cross-sectional study conducted in various regions [23].
Considering knowledge about sun protection and its role in preventing adverse effects of skin laser treatment, the current study showed that nearly one-fifth of the participants had a satisfactory knowledge level. In more detail, a few percentage of the study participants knew that sunscreen covers UVA and UVB, but less than half of them knew that SPF 30-50 or more is used in sunscreen. Only 34 (5.7%) knew that PA+++ is used in sunscreen. About one-third said that one or two fingers of sunscreen should be used for the face. They also knew that sunscreen should be used at home and outdoors. One-fourth reported that sunscreen should be applied 20-30 minutes before sun exposure, and the same percentage knew that it should be repeated every two hours. More than one-third of the participants knew that sunscreen should be applied the next day after laser treatment. Similar findings were reported by Almuqati et al. [8] among university students, where the majority of students (325, 64.9%) did not know about the sun protection factor of sunscreen products. The discomfort felt on the skin was the most commonly reported barrier to avoiding the use of sunscreen (204, 40.7%). Al Robaee [22] found that nearly 770 (56%) of participants reported awareness of the relationship between sunburn and skin cancer, and Al Ghamdi et al. [23] found that 1,449 (55.3%) of participants were aware of this relationship. Higher knowledge was reported among young participants, single participants, those with high education, and those who were exposed to the sun for a long duration.
Strength and limitations
This is the first study to be conducted in Saudi Arabia, to assess knowledge about and attitude toward the use of sun protection to prevent a post-laser adverse event among the general population.
The major limitation of this study is that results might be affected by recall bias because a standardized self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.
Conclusions
In conclusion, our study showed that 471 (78.5%) participants had poor knowledge about the use of sun protection to prevent adverse events after laser treatment; 91 (15.2%) participants knew that sunscreen covers UVA and UVB, and only 34 (5.7%) knew that PA+++ is used in sunscreen. Thus, we recommend an increase in awareness campaigns among the general public about sun protection.
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Author Contributions
Concept and design: Mohammed F. Bondagji, Ghadeer E. Alamri, Lina I. Kinkar, Eid A. Almasoudi, Sarah M. Fageeh, Lama G. Asiri, Emad Bahashwan
Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Mohammed F. Bondagji, Ghadeer E. Alamri, Lina I. Kinkar, Eid A. Almasoudi, Sarah M. Fageeh, Lama G. Asiri, Emad Bahashwan
Drafting of the manuscript: Mohammed F. Bondagji, Ghadeer E. Alamri, Lina I. Kinkar, Eid A. Almasoudi, Sarah M. Fageeh, Lama G. Asiri, Emad Bahashwan
Critical review of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Mohammed F. Bondagji, Ghadeer E. Alamri, Lina I. Kinkar, Eid A. Almasoudi, Sarah M. Fageeh, Lama G. Asiri, Emad Bahashwan
Supervision: Emad Bahashwan
Human Ethics
Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Biomedical Research Ethics Committee issued approval HAPO-02-K-012-2023-04-1599
Animal Ethics
Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue.
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