Evaluation of the Cosmetology and Pharmacy students' knowledge on ultraviolet exposure on human organism

Introduction: The UV exposure might have many negative consequences on human organism. Some of sunlight or selective parts of it have been used with success in the treatment of some skin disorders. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was evaluation of Cosmetology (CS) and Pharmacy students’ (PS) knowledge on UV rays exposure on human organism. Material and methods: The study was carried out among 132 of CS and PS of Medical University of Bialystok. The authors’ self-designed questionnaire was used. Results: 89% in both groups of CS and PS knew that sun pigmentation is a physiologically natural reaction of skin on UV rays exposure. 96% of CS and 100% of PS knew that vitamin D is synthesized upon exposure to UV rays. 36% of CS and just 9% of PS knew that UV has a significant role in anaemia, which is statistically significant difference (p=0.001). 98% of CS and PS knew that phototype is determine by skin colour, but only 36% of CS and 24% of PS marked VI skin phototypes. There was statistically significant difference in sun behaves after dermatology or cosmetology lectures between two compared groups. Statistical analysis by t-test employed for the comparison of students’ general knowledge between two groups didn't show statistically significant differences (p=0.955). Conclusion: The general knowledge of UV radiation on the human organism among students is similar. Students after dermatology or cosmetology lectures demonstrated better knowledge about UV protection. Knowledge of CS and PS might be the first line of preventing on UV over exposing and there is a chance to change patients' attitudes and sun behaves, before dangerous and negative effects occur. So it inclines to implicate the new programs improving knowledge of students of medical schools in this topic.