@article{article_1690477, title={Assessment of Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Levels and Sun Protection Behaviors among Karadeniz Technical University Students of Medical Faculty}, journal={Konuralp Medical Journal}, volume={17}, pages={287–294}, year={2025}, DOI={10.18521/ktd.1690477}, author={Güner Karaca, Kübra and Ateş, Elif}, keywords={Medical students, Skin cancer, Sun protection, Behavior}, abstract={Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge levels of Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Medical Faculty students regarding skin cancer, sun exposure, and sun protection behaviors. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 826 volunteer students at KTU Faculty of Medicine between October and December 2024. Data was collected using Sociodemographic Information Form, the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale (SCSKS) and the Sun Protection Behavior Scale (SPBS). The level of statistical significance was accepted as p <0.05. Results: The median age of the students in the study was 22.00 (IQR 25-75: 19.00-23.00), 62.1% female and 37.9% male. Total median score of SCSKS was 17.00 (IQR 25-75: 15.00-19.00) and total median score of SPBS was 25.00 (IQR 25-75: 19.00-21.00). The most preferred sun protection behavior was avoiding the sun and using sunscreen, while wearing a hat was the least used. Most of the sunscreen users applied it only to their faces. Female students (SCSKS:p <0.001; SPBS:p <0.001), fair-skinned individuals (SCSKS: p <0.001; SPBS: p=0.002), and those with nevi (SCSKS: p=0.002; SPBS: p <0.001) scored significantly higher on both scales compared to others. Eye color (SCSKS: p=0.529; SPBS: p=0.140), history of sunburn (SCSKS: p=0.282; SPBS: p=0.714), family history of skin cancer (SCSKS: p=0.786; SPBS: p=0.250) and solarium use (SCSKS: p=0.602; SPBS: p=0.447) were not associated with significant differences between groups. A weak positive correlation was found between SCSKS and SPBS (r=0.256, p <0.001). Conclusions: The study concludes that students with certain skin cancer risk factors did not show different knowledge or behaviors, indicating the need for increased awareness.}, number={3}, publisher={Duzce University}