The Importance of Sunlight Exposure and Protection: A Cross-Sectional Study in Türkiye

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 3, 531 - 538, 31.10.2025

Hüseyin Avni Eroğlu , Cemre Aydeğer , Şeyma Eroğlu , Damla Aykora , Berna Sert

Abstract

Objective: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight provides numerous health benefits; however, excessive exposure can trigger inflammation, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the sun protection behaviors of the general population. Materials and Methods: A total of 377 volunteers aged 18 years and older participated in the study. Data were collected via an online Google Form including demographic information, duration of sun exposure, sun protection methods, and the use of sunscreens with Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Sun protection behaviors were assessed using the Sun Protection Behavior Scale (SPBS). Results: The most commonly adopted sun protection methods were sunscreen application (74%) and wearing sunglasses (65.2%). Women used sunscreen significantly more frequently than men (p<0.0001) and predominantly preferred high-SPF products, mainly SPF 50 (all p<0.0001). Being a healthcare professional or student did not significantly influence sun protection behaviors (p>0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that women are more cautious regarding sun exposure, whereas healthcare profession affiliation does not affect protective behaviors. The study highlights the need to improve sun protection practices among men and raise awareness regarding the risks of excessive sun exposure. Public health professionals are encouraged to plan further educational interventions and awareness programs addressing the relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer development.

Keywords

Sunlight , Skin Neoplasms , Sunscreen , Ultraviolet Rays , Sun Protection Factor

Ethical Statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Supporting Institution

This study did not receive any funding from a company.

Güneş Işığına Maruz Kalmanın ve Korunmanın Önemi: Türkiye'de Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

Abstract

Amaç: Güneşten kaynaklanan ultraviyole (UV) ışınları insan sağlığına birçok fayda sağlasa da aşırı maruziyet inflamasyon, erken yaşlanma ve deri kanserleri riskini artırmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, toplumun güneşten korunma davranışlarını değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya 18 yaş ve üzeri 377 gönüllü katılmıştır. Veriler, demografik bilgiler, güneşe maruz kalma süresi, korunma yöntemleri ve Güneş Koruma Faktörlü (SPF) güneş kremi kullanımı hakkında çevrimiçi bir Google Form ile toplanmıştır. Güneşten korunma davranışları Güneşten Korunma Davranış Ölçeği (GKDÖ) ile ölçülmüştür. Bulgular: Katılımcıların en çok tercih ettiği korunma yöntemleri güneş kremi (%74) ve güneş gözlüğü (%65.2) kullanımıdır. Kadınlar, erkeklere kıyasla daha fazla güneş kremi kullanmakta ve çoğunlukla 50 SPF ürünleri tercih etmektedir (p<0.0001). Sağlık çalışanı veya sağlık öğrencisi olmanın güneşten korunma davranışları üzerinde anlamlı bir etkisi bulunmamıştır (p>0.05). Sonuç: Çalışma, kadınların güneşe karşı daha dikkatli olduğunu ve sağlık çalışanı olmanın korunma davranışlarını etkilemediğini göstermektedir. Erkek bireylerin güneşten korunma ve maruziyetle ilgili davranışlarının geliştirilmesi gerekmektedir. Halk sağlığı profesyonellerinin, güneşe maruziyetin deri kanseri üzerindeki etkisi konusunda farkındalık artırıcı çalışmalar ve bilgilendirme toplantıları planlaması önerilmektedir.

Keywords

Güneş Işığı , Cilt Neoplazmları , Güneş Kremi , Ultraviyole Işın , Güneş Koruma Faktörü

Ethical Statement

Yazarlar, bu makalenin araştırması, yazarlığı ve/veya yayınlanmasıyla ilgili herhangi bir potansiyel çıkar çatışması olmadığını beyan ederler.

Supporting Institution

Bu çalışma herhangi bir şirketten finansal destek almamıştır.

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