TARTU TERVISHOIU KÕRGKOOLI ÜLIÕPILASTE TEADLIKKUS ULTRAVIOLETTKIIRGUSE MÕJUST TERVISELE JA KÄITUMINE ULTRAVIOLETTKIIRGUSEGA KOKKUPUUTEL
Tartu Health Care College students’ awareness of the impact of ultraviolet radiation on health and behaviour when exposed to ultraviolet radiation
Julia Allas, Triin Veber MSc, Kristi Vahur MPH Abstract Ultraviolet radiation that comes from the Sun is an electromagnetic radiation which has both beneficial and harmful influences on health. Incidence of skin cancer has increased in last decades and one of the reasons may be overexposure to UV-light. To avoid harmful impact on health it is suggested to use sunscreen products, sunglasses and avoid sunlight in its peak hours. On the other hand, one of the reasons for vitamin D deficiency is too little sun exposure. Awareness of the impact of UV radiation on health is highly based on other countries studies. The aim of this research study was to determine the knowledge of UV-light and the behaviour while exposed to UV-light among Tartu Health Care College students. Data was collected among students with questionnaire. In this research study first and third (or fourth) year students’ knowledge and behaviour were compared to determine whether older students were more aware or behaved more carefully. Students’ knowledge of UV-light health impacts was better in relation with skin cancer, sunburn and synthesis of vitamin D. Minority of the students knew that UV-light can cure some diseases and that too much sun exposure may cause eye damage, skin aging, wrinkles and melanoma. Most of the students were aware that sunscreens can reduce negative health impacts of UV-light. 216
