[Translated article] Photoprotection Knowledge, Habits, and Attitudes Among Spanish and Italian Medical Students

Exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for the development of malignant skin neoplasms. Currently, there are no studies available on sun-exposure habits among different countries. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among medical students from the University of Rome, Italy and the University of Granada, Spain to compare their photoprotection knowledge, habits, and attitudes. A total of 215 medical students (114 Spanish, and 101 Italian) were included. Spanish students considered the Sun to be the main cause of skin cancer (83.3% vs 61.4%; p=.003) and they looked at their skin more often than Italian students did (32.5% vs 9.9%; p<.001). The latter received information on photoprotection mainly from their dermatologist (34.7%, 35/101) vs Spaniards who received such information from their university (39.5%, 45/114; p<.001). After studying dermatology, Spaniards used sunscreen more frequently than Italians did (76.8% before vs 88.1% after; p=.007), and recognized the need to implement other measures as well (44.9% vs 67.2%; p=.025).