| dc.description.abstract | Background. Melasma is a hyperpigmentation disorder that is more prevalent in women, particularly those with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI. In Southeast Asia, the prevalence can reach up to 40%. Women working as fish dryers at Olo Belawan Beach are at a higher risk of developing melasma due to their prolonged exposure to UV light. To prevent this condition, it is essential to implement protective measures, such as using sunscreen that shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Objective. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and awareness of sunscreen use and the incidence of melasma among women drying fish at Olo Belawan Beach. Methods. Analytic observational study with cross-sectional design. Subjects were selected by consecutive sampling in July-August 2024. Data were collected through questionnaires with interviews, and physical examinations, then statistically analyzed. Results. The study included 61 respondents. The prevalence of melasma among participants was 41% (n=25), with 82% of the respondents in their productive age (19-59 years) experiencing over 5 hours of sunlight exposure each day. Of the respondents, 57.4% (n=35) reported not using sunscreen, while 42.6% indicated they did use it. Cream was the most preferred type of sunscreen (46.2%), and affordability was cited as the most common reason for selecting a particular sunscreen (38.5%). The respondents’ knowledge levels were categorized as follows: 19.7% had low knowledge, 50.8% had moderate knowledge, and 29.5% had high knowledge. Regarding awareness, 62.3% had low awareness, 26.2% had moderate awareness, and 11.5% had high awareness. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between both knowledge (p = 0.002) and awareness (p = 0.003) regarding sunscreen use and the incidence of melasma, with awareness as the dominant factor. Conclusion. There is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and awareness of sunscreen use with the incidence of melasma in women drying fish at Olo Beach Belawan, with the level of awareness identified as the primary influencing factor. | en_US |
