THE EFFECT OF DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS ON SUN PROTECTION ATTITUDES OF THE FEMALE PATIENTS WITH MELASMA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: Melasma is a common chronic hyperpigmentation disorder that predominantly affects women. Photoprotection plays a crucial role in both treatment and prevention of relapses. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics, clinical features, and sun protection behaviors of female patients diagnosed with melasma. Methods: Female patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with melasma who attended the dermatology outpatient clinic between April and July 2023 were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and attitudes toward sunscreen use and sun protection were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 116 female patients were included. Seventy-two patients (62.1%) reported using broad-spectrum sunscreen. Significant associations were found between sunscreen use and education level, monthly income, disease onset, Fitzpatrick skin type, and melanin accumulation depth (p=0.001, p=0.049, p=0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.035, respectively). Univariate analysis identified education level, monthly income, disease onset, Fitzpatrick skin type III, and melanin accumulation depth as significant predictors of sunscreen use. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher education level, Fitzpatrick skin type III, and mixed-type melanin accumulation depth were independent predictors of sunscreen use (p=0.001, p=0.007, and p=0.036, respectively). Conclusion: Female melasma patients with higher education levels, Fitzpatrick skin type III, and mixed-type melanin accumulation use sunscreen more frequently. Comprehensive education regarding photoprotection should be provided to all patients with melasma.