ABSTRACT
Sunscreens are used for prevention of skin damage caused by the sun. Since various products are available, people should be encouraged to find the most appropriate one for their skin. We performed this study to detect the awareness level regarding appropriate sunscreen usage in patients referred to Sari dermatology clinics in 2004. This cross-sectional study was done in the autumn and summer of 2004 in Sari dermatology clinics. The study sample size was 400 participants. The measuring device was a questionnaire consisted of questions about sun light and sunscreen usage and demographic data. Most participants had moderate [35.4%] [correct answers to 50-70% of questions] and good [35.5%] [correct answers to 70-100%] awareness level, 26.4% had weak [correct answers to 25-50%] and 1.7% had unacceptable [correct answers to less than 25%] awareness about correct method of application of sunscreens. In this study the awareness level among females was significantly higher than males. There was a significant correlation between education level and awareness level [P<0.001], but no correlation between marital status, age and job and the awareness level was found. The awareness level in females was moderate and good. The awareness level in males was less than females, which shows their less attention to skin care. The weak and unacceptable level of awareness was considerable indicating the need for social educational interventions