The relationship between knowledge, attitude and sun-related behaviour among Swedish students was examined in the present study. A total of 296 of 305 questionnaires, distributed among university students (medical school and economy programme) were analysed (157 @entity1 , 139 @entity1 , mean age 24 years). The percentage of students sunbathing with the intention of getting a tan was 75%. Thirteen per cent reported having experienced at least one painful sunburn every year and 93% stated at least one burn during the last ten years. The majority of the students had used a sun bed, 12% more than ten times during the last year. Subjects with high frequency of sun bed use also scored high on sunbathing and sunburns. Significantly more @entity1 (70%) than @entity1 (51%) used sunscreen. The overall knowledge of @entity320 was high. No difference in knowledge was found between the high- and low-exposure group. Medical students scored higher on knowledge than economy students, but did not differ in exposure score. Our findings reveal an excessive sun exposure among university students. A high level of knowledge of risk does not lead to a sun-protective behaviour. Future preventative campaigns targeting young @entity1 must focus on strategies to change attitudes towards tanning as being healthy and attractive.

Sun-related behaviour and XXXX awareness among Swedish university students.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['people', 'women', 'men'] @entity320 :: ('MESH:D008545', 'Disease') :: ['melanoma']
@entity320 :: (MESH:D008545,Disease) :: ['melanoma']
