Sunscreen Utilization Behaviors and Factors Associated with Daily use of Sunscreen Among Melasma Patients at A.L.E.R.T Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Minychel Wale Aynalem, Shimelis Nigusse Doni, Henok Fekadu, Jitu Beka, Desalegn Yibeltal Reta, Tamene Achamo, Dawit Girma, Dessale Abate Beyene, Melese Yeshambaw Teferi and Alemseged Beyene Berha

Background Melasma is a common skin disorder of acquired pigmentation disease that commonly occurs on the face and sun-exposed areas. It affects all races and genders but is more prevalent in women. Sunscreen is an essential pharmaceutical product for management and prevention of melasma.

Objectives To assess the knowledge, practice, and associated factors of sunscreen usage among melasma patients.

Method A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at ALERT Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa in 2023. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS®) version 25. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multivariable logistic regression model. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results Data from 363 study subjects were analyzed, and the response rate was 86%. The mean age was 35.2 with S.D ± 8.2 years. Females (96.1%) were the majority of the study participants. Malar-type melasma (40.8%) was the observed case. The mean age of onset of melasma was 31.5 with S.D ±7.3 years. The majority of the study participants (76.9%) used sunscreen on a daily basis. Patients' overall knowledge and practices toward sunscreen use was (81%) and (67%), respectively. The study found that patients having moderate melasma [AOR=5.5, 95% CI: 2.49 – 12.1] (P= <0.001), severe melasma [AOR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.29 – 5.98] (P= 0.009), and duration of melasma ranged from 1-5 years [AOR = 1.97; 95% CI (1.02–3.82)] were factors significantly associated with sunscreen utilization practices.

Conclusion Melasma patients' overall knowledge and practices towards using sunscreen were good. The severity and duration of melasma were statistically significant factors associated with sunscreen usage. A more structured continuous education program on the appropriate practice of sunscreen use will be needed for melasma patients.

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