Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Adults Toward Skincare and Sun Protection in Otukpo, North-Central Nigeria
Keywords:
ultraviolet radiation, sun protection, skincare, knowledge, attitudes, practices, NigeriaAbstract
Ultraviolet radiation can cause sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer. Preventive behaviors may remain uncommon even when people recognize the risks.
To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to skincare and sun protection among adults in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria, and identify factors associated with poor practice.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to September 2025 among 184 adults aged 18–65 years who had lived in Otukpo for at least one year. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling using a KoboToolbox questionnaire, with interviewer-assisted completion also used. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 27 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression; adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported.
Of 184 respondents, 112 (60.9%) were classified as having good knowledge and 158 (85.9%) considered sun protection important. Daily sunscreen use was reported by 42 (22.8%); 28 (15.2%) reported avoiding sun exposure between 12:00 and 15:00, and 42 (22.8%) reported using protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, or umbrellas. Overall, 126 (68.5%) had poor practice. Independent associations with poor practice included male sex (AOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.18–3.87; p=0.012), primary/secondary rather than tertiary education (AOR 3.02, 95% CI 1.21–7.53; p=0.018), poor knowledge (AOR 2.89, 95% CI 1.59–5.24; p<0.001), low perceived susceptibility (AOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.34–4.48; p=0.004), perceived cost barrier (AOR 3.67, 95% CI 1.98–6.80; p<0.001), and outdoor-worker/student status compared with indoor employment (AOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.02–3.43; p=0.043).
The sample showed a gap between positive attitudes and protective practices. Cost, perceived susceptibility, knowledge, sex, education, and occupation were independently associated with poor practice. Because convenience sampling produced a predominantly young, tertiary-educated sample and the achieved sample was below the calculated target, findings should not be generalized to all adults in Otukpo without caution.
