Knowledge of potential risk factors and photo protection measures in liver transplantation recipients

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the sun exposure level, knowledge of potential risk factors and photoprotection measures among recipients of liver transplantation. Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study with 50 recipients in a São Paulo countryside liver transplantation program. Patients were interviewed and received oral information on skin care and sun exposure, after consenting to participate in the study. Results: Results showed that photo protection and photo education measures are partly fulfilled by patients. It was observed a high degree of exposure to sun in 40% of recipients. Nevertheless, 82% reported having received information on skin care and risks of the sun exposure. Recipients have also demonstrated an understanding to the sun exposure risks, and 96% believed that the sun exposure can cause skin damage, and 80% believed that sun exposure is most dangerous in transplant patients. Among photo protection, 88% recipients asses their skin often to detect new lesions or to assess the progression of existing ones. Only 38% of patients passed by dermatological evaluation, and 40% used sunscreen lotion daily. Among the reasons of recipients who do not using sunscreen lotion, (60%): 43.33% forget to apply the product, 43.33% do not believe that it is necessary, and 13.34% have no financial resources. Conclusion: Educative actions concerning skin cancer prevention should be part of orientations supplied by the multidisciplinary team to liver transplantation patients.