Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the prevalence, knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards sunscreen use between teenagers and adults in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design to compare the prevalence of sunscreen use between teenagers and adults in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews conducted in schools, universities, and malls to derive key insights.
Results: Sunscreen use was more prevalent among teenagers (70.3%) than among adults (58.7%). Teenagers also demonstrated a higher level of good knowledge about sun protection measures (37.9%) compared to adults (28.3%). A significant difference was observed in the frequency of sunscreen use, with more teenagers (22.1%) than adults (15.7%) reporting daily application. Interestingly, a slightly higher proportion of adults (13.3%) than teenagers (11.8%) chose sunscreens with the recommended sun protection factor (SPF) level of 30–50, while more teenagers (44.6%) than adults (37.1%) reported checking expiration dates before use. A considerable proportion of both teenagers (50.8%) and adults (43.7%) agreed that sunscreen is important for sun protection. Most teenagers (79.0%) and adults (77.6%) also reported encouraging their friends and family to use sunscreen or adopt other sun protection practices.
Conclusion: The knowledge and prevalence of sunscreen use and sun protection among teenagers were much higher when compared to adults. Additionally, females showed both a higher prevalence of use and better knowledge than males. While teenagers reported more frequent use of sunscreen, adults were more likely to adhere to the recommended SPF levels.

Key words: Sunscreen, sun protection measures, sun protection factor, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.