Knowledge and practices on the risk of skin cancer in a population in the central highlands

Abstract

Objective. To determine the relationship between the level of knowledge and protective practices against the risk of skin cancer in a population from the central highlands of Peru.

Methods. An observational, cross-sectional, analytical study with a quantitative approach. The population consisted of 312 sun-exposed workers, from whom a probabilistic sample of 172 participants was selected. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information, level of knowledge, and protective practices against the risk of skin cancer. Inferential analysis was performed using Pearson’s chi-square test, considering a level of statistical significance of p < 0.05.

Results. Of the participants, 42.5% were older adults and 64.0% were female. Overall, 86.0% showed an insufficient level of knowledge about the risk of skin cancer. Regarding practices, 65.1% demonstrated an adequate level of sun protection. A statistically significant association was found between the level of knowledge and sun protection practices (χ² = 14.942; p < 0.001).

Conclusion. The studied population showed insufficient knowledge about the risk of skin cancer, despite demonstrating mostly adequate sun protection practices. These findings highlight the need to implement preventive education strategies aimed at sun-exposed workers to strengthen knowledge and promote sustainable self-care behaviors.