260 Sun protection attitudes and behaviors among minority groups in a low socioeconomic community

Abstract

Background: Although skin cancer is less common among minority groups, they often present at later stages and have worse outcomes. Literature on this disparity is limited. Objective: To evaluate the attitudes influencing sun protective behaviors, skin cancer risk perception, and dermatologist access among an underserved, racially and ethnically diverse community. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adult patients at five student-run, free primary care clinics in Sacramento, California. Results: 390 surveys were collected with a response rate of 86.4%. Overall, respondents did not use sunscreen, rarely sunburned, were unsure or perceived themselves at low risk for skin cancer and reported limited access to dermatologists. Compared to Whites, Latinos were likely to believe it was not worth getting sunburned to be tan (OR = 24.43, 95% CI: 9.37 to 63.3, P < 0.001). Whites were more likely than Asians (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.50 to 9. 11, P = 0.004) and Latinos (OR = 4.83, 95% CI: 1.83 to 12.8, P = 0.001) to perceive having access to a dermatologist. Conclusions: Ethnic groups differ in their knowledge of sun protection and self-perceived skin cancer risk. The Latino community showed discrepancies between sun protection knowledge and practices, serving as a possible interventional target.