Evaluating the knowledge practice gap in sun protection measures among the pakistani population: A systematic review of socio-economic and behavioral barriers

Abstract

Background: Photoprotection compliance remains a significant concern to the general population in Pakistan even though the country is blessed with high solar intensity. This systematic review investigates the Knowledge-Practice-Gap (KPG) of sun protection among Pakistani population and also determines the barriers to sun protection compliance in the society, the economy, and physiology. Methods: In search of original research published in the period of 2020-2026, a comprehensive search in PubMed, Google Scholar, and PakMediNet was conducted. Information on three baseline physiological journals and fifteen local studies was synthesized using PRISMA 2020 standards. Findings: In educated urban populations, awareness on the level of theory is high (79.4%), whereas the level of regular practice is low (17.8%). The visual hindrance of the Fitzpatrick Skin Type III-V, the Vitamin D Paradox in which two thirds of the respondents don’t use sunscreen because they believe it might cause bone health loss, and the escalating economical cost of the product (54% inflation) are critical challenges. Also, an essential cycle of neglect in outdoor labor and pediatric care spheres was identified. Conclusion: To address the KPG in Pakistan, individual education has to be substituted with institutional transformation. The classification of Sunscreens into the category of necessary drugs must be reconsidered, the policy of Sun Safety in schools introduced, and the local drug innovation stimulated to create photoprotection that will be affordable and culturally appropriate.