Introduction The increase of cutaneous melanoma, skin cancers and other skin diseases incidence is parallel with the increase in sun exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of academical staff in Mugla in Turkey related to sun protection.

Methods A cross sectional analysis has been conducted in which 1437 academic staff were selected. Of this selected group, 438 participated in the study. Academic staff in Mugla were asked to complete our questionnaire consisting of 26 questions. The questionnaire included questions about the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, the stories of sunburn and skin cancer, attitudes and behaviours related to sun protection, the habits of using sun protective creams, and the levels of knowledge about sunscreen creams and ultraviolet.

Results The study was composed of 196 (44.7%) women, 242 (55.3%). Mean age was 38.6±0.3. Using, using sunglasses, avoiding sunlight were among the first three methods of sun protection practiced by the academic staff. 36.1% of the participants stated that they only used sun protection cream while ‘only going to sea’, 29.5% of the participants stated that they used ‘only in summer’ and 14.6% of the participants stated that they always used. When academic staff assessed knowledge levels of sunscreen creams, sun protection factor (SPF), ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), it was determined that 11.2% of the participants knew the definition of SPF 30. In the question about UVA and UVB, 27.9% answered correctly.

Discussion The use of sun protective cream among the sun protection methods among the academic staff was found to be the first place. However, it has been determined that this method of protection is not conscious and orderly. Academic staff’s knowledge of sunscreen creams, SPF, UVB and UVA was found to be inadequate. Therefore, we believe that future sun protection programmes could target in order to improve academic staff’s knowledge and attitudes towards sun protection, effects of the sun on skin and skin cancer.