Attitudes and behaviors of photoprotection in undergraduate university students of Barranquilla

Abstract

Objective: To determine photoprotection behaviors and attitudes among undergraduate university students in Barranquilla. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional observational study was conducted in undergraduate university students over 18 years of age enrolled at Universidad del Norte. A non-probabilistic snowball sampling method was used with an estimated sample size of 403 participants; however, 458 participants were collected. Data were collected using a structured 44-question survey. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and attitude-related variables were analyzed. Descriptive analyses and association tests (chi-square) were performed, considering statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results: Most participants were between 18 and 22 years old (93.2%), were female (64.0%), came from urban areas (95.4%), and had Fitzpatrick skin phototype III (32.8%). Although 43.0% reported always using sunscreen, 74.9% did not reapply it during the day. Limited use of additional photoprotection measures and low frequency of skin evaluation practices were observed. While 85.8% expressed concern about solar radiation, 65.3% believed in the existence of safe sun exposure. Conclusions: University students showed insufficient photoprotection practices despite adequate awareness of sun exposure risks.