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Title: | An analysis of the awareness and behaviour of University students on exposure to ultraviolet radiation |
Authors: | Zammit, Kristie |
Keywords: | University students -- Malta -- Attitudes Ultraviolet radiation -- Malta Skin -- Cancer -- Malta Skin -- Care and hygiene -- Malta Solar radiation -- Malta |
Issue Date: | 2018 |
Citation: | Zammit, K. (2018). An analysis of the awareness and behaviour of University students on exposure to ultraviolet radiation (Bachelor's dissertation). |
Abstract: | Purpose : The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in Malta and all around the globe. This is concerning as skin cancer can be easily prevented by reducing UVR exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and behaviour regarding the implications of UVR exposure amongst university students. Objectives : The objectives of the study were to assess the students’ awareness and behaviour related to skin cancer and UVR safe practices, and to identify if there is a relationship between the students’ awareness and behaviour. Moreover, factors that influence awareness and behaviour such as age, gender, skin type and educational background were also evaluated. Methodology : This study adopted a cross-sectional and quantitative research design. An adapted web-based established questionnaire was used to collect data from all undergraduate students attending a local university on their awareness and behaviour regarding UVR exposure. Results : The results indicated an overall high level of awareness across university students, where 97.60% of the students were aware of the assocation between the sun and skin cancer. However, awareness was not always translated into safe UVR behaviour as 60.70% of the students still exposed themselves to the sun during peak hours. Awareness did not differ significantly between different ages and skin types. Healthcare students expressed higher levels of awareness when compared to non-healthcare students, however the application of UVR safe behaviour did not differ between the two groups. Older ages, fairer skin types and females were also reported to practise safer UVR behaviours. Conclusions : This study concludes that education and awareness are not enough to change behaviour and therefore new health promotion campaigns should aim at developing strategies to change behaviour. |
Description: | B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/40646 |
Appears in Collections: | Dissertations - FacHSc - 2018 Dissertations - FacHScRad - 2018 |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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18BSRAD001.pdf Restricted Access | 2.63 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open Request a copy |
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