-Investigation of UV Radiation Knowledge and Sun Protection Means- A Case Study on Pharmacists in Continuing Classes

• Main Authors: Wei-Ming Chen, 陳威明
• Other Authors: Ling-Yih Hsu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/pq4n38

碩士 === 中華科技大學 === 健康科技研究所在職專班 === 102 === Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun. Small amounts of UV are essential for humans, animals and plants, however overexposure may result in a harmful effect on them. The ozone layer acts like a giant sunshade, protecting plants and animals from much of the sun's harmful UV radiation. Depletion of the ozone layer can lead to more serious health problems, including skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damage, and immune system suppression. Community pharmacists are considered as a source of drug information for the public. For these reasons, community pharmacists must have sufficient medication knowledge to optimize therapy for the patients. To reach this goal, they should have excellent medication knowledge and must be well rounded in all aspects of pharmaceutical care. The strength of the sun's UV radiation is high in Taipei throughout the year. Abundant knowledge of UV radiation and sun care is good for pharmacists and public. Therefore, we conducted this study to understand the knowledge level of UV radiation and sun care among community pharmacists in Taipei. A questionnaire was distributed in 2013. Three hundred and forty-four pharmacists participated in continuing education were surveyed at this study. This study demonstrated that： 1.All pharmacists participated in the continuing education generally agreed that knowledge of UV radiation and sun care is very important. 2.Pharmacists’ gender, age, years of practice on the knowledge of UV radiation and sun protection with significant differences. 3.Pharmacists recognize that people's information source of UV radiation and sun protection is mainly from community chain drug stores and independent drug stores. 4.Pharmacists recognize that most of people purchase sunscreen products at the drug stores. The effectiveness of sunscreen products is the major consideration to accept. Next consideration is the budget. NT dollar 300 to 500 is acceptable. 5.Pharmacists recognize that people's awareness of applying sunscreen correctly should be compulsory. 6.Pharmacists practicing over five years are intensely enthusiastic to provide sun care information to the public. The results show that introducing the knowledge of UV damage and sun protection at pharmacy continuing education courses will be helpful to pharmacists. Based on the result we recommend that an efficient policy of education on the UV damage and effective use of sunscreens should be implemented. By way of the right guidance of sun care knowledge from pharmacists leads public to reduce UV damage from the sun and let people enjoy a healthy, happy outdoor activities.