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Public knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to skin cancer screening in the United Arab Emirates

Author

Listed:
  • Anan S Jarab
  • Walid Al-Qerem
  • Karem H Alzoubi
  • Mariam Al Mohammad
  • Shrouq R Abu Heshmeh
  • Yazid N Al Hamarneh
  • Tareq Mukattash
  • Maher Khdour

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to skin cancer screening among the general population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, an online-based questionnaire was distributed via online social media sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and others to the residents of the UAE. The questionnaire evaluated socio-demographics, knowledge (8 items), attitudes (10 items), practices (14 items), and barriers (9 items) in the context of skin cancer screening. A binary logistic regression was conducted to assess variables associated with practice levels. Results: The study included 924 participants (51.9% females), with a median (IQR) age of 32 (22–44) years. Results showed a window for knowledge improvement [median = 4 (3–6) out of a maximum potential score of 8], unfavourable attitudes [median = 37 (33–39) out of a maximum potential score of 50], inadequate practices [median = 41 (31–45) out of a maximum possible score of 70]. The most common barriers to skin cancer screening were lack of knowledge about skin cancer (74.1%), lack of awareness of the need for skin cancer screening (72.2%), and absence of symptoms (54.1%). Older age (OR = 0.985, 95%CI: 0.971–0.998) and lack of health insurance (OR = 0.478, 95%CI: 0.301–0.758) were associated with lower screening practices. Female gender (OR = 1.833, 95%CI: 1.361–2.469), being married (OR = 1.415, 95%CI: 1.006–1.992), being a non-smoker (OR = 1.568, 95%CI: 1.045–2.352) or a former smoker (OR = 2.555, 95% CI: 1.082–6.034), and more favourable attitudes (OR = 1.071, 95%CI: 1.044–1.096) were associated with higher screening practices. Conclusion: The UAE population exhibited moderate knowledge, unfavourable attitudes, and inadequate practices regarding skin cancer screening, with several barriers identified. Targeted online and in-person awareness campaigns are crucial for improving public understanding and attitudes, thereby enhancing screening practices, especially among older adults, males, smokers, and those without health insurance.

Suggested Citation

  • Anan S Jarab & Walid Al-Qerem & Karem H Alzoubi & Mariam Al Mohammad & Shrouq R Abu Heshmeh & Yazid N Al Hamarneh & Tareq Mukattash & Maher Khdour, 2025. "Public knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to skin cancer screening in the United Arab Emirates," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(1), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0316613
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316613
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