Abstract
BackgroundSunscreen use is a popular sun protection method; however, application of sunscreen rarely meets the standards recommended for effectiveness. Access to information about how to effectively use sunscreen may play a role in proper sunscreen application. The internet is a common health information source; however, the quality of sunscreen-related content varies.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine information about sunscreen in YouTube videos by video source.MethodsIn November 2017, the authors identified the 20 most popular YouTube videos (sorted by view count and relevance) for each of these 5 search terms: sunscreen cancer, sunscreen health, sunscreen information, sunscreen ingredients, and sunscreen natural. The inclusion criteria were English language and view count >1000 (N=111 unique videos). We double-coded videos for standard recommendations for sunscreen use (eg, apply 20 minutes before sun exposure), use of outdated terminology, and recommendation of complementary sun safety strategies.ResultsThe view counts ranged from 1100 to 671,142 (median 17,774, SD 109,651) and the average daily views ranged from 1 to 1448 (median 23, SD 234). End users (46/111, 41.4%) and health care providers (24/111, 21.6%) were the most common sources, and none of the most popular videos were produced by federal agencies or cancer-related nongovernmental organizations. Health care provider videos included marginally more recommendations than end user videos (mean 1.46, SD 1.96 vs mean 1.05, SD 1.20), but few (19/111, 17.1%) mentioned reapplication. The videos were generally positive toward sunscreen (82/111, 73.9%); however, some videos were negative (29/111, 26.1%), with warnings about the health risks of chemical sunscreens and their ingredients. Do-it-yourself sunscreen tutorials represented 19/111 (17.1%) of the sample.ConclusionsYouTube is a potential source for disseminating sun safety messages; however, the quality of its sunscreen content varies. Most of the videos in our study failed to include important sunscreen use recommendations. Clinicians should be prepared to address the information needs of patients by discussing effective, evidence-based sunscreen application and recommending a combined sun safety approach.
Highlights
Skin cancer affects an estimated 5 million people annually in the United States, with a treatment cost of over $8.1 billion [1].Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known carcinogen that causes direct and indirect DNA damage; intentional or unintentional UV exposure is responsible for the majority of skin cancer incidence [2]
YouTube is a potential source for disseminating sun safety messages; the quality of its sunscreen content varies
JMIR Dermatol 2020 | vol 3 | iss. 1 | e14411 | p. 1 that is used by approximately one third of US adults [3]; sunscreen application rarely reflects the standards necessary to meet the advertised protection levels [4,5]
Summary
Skin cancer affects an estimated 5 million people annually in the United States, with a treatment cost of over $8.1 billion [1].Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known carcinogen that causes direct and indirect DNA damage; intentional or unintentional UV exposure is responsible for the majority of skin cancer incidence [2]. 1 (page number not for citation purposes) that is used by approximately one third of US adults [3]; sunscreen application rarely reflects the standards necessary to meet the advertised protection levels [4,5]. Sunscreen is intended for use in combination with other sun protection strategies [6]. In 2014, the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer included a renewed call to promote a combination sun protection strategy (eg, wearing sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing) [5]. Sunscreen use is a popular sun protection method; application of sunscreen rarely meets the standards recommended for effectiveness. Access to information about how to effectively use sunscreen may play a role in proper sunscreen application. The internet is a common health information source; the quality of sunscreen-related content varies
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