Sun protection and exposure behaviors among Hispanic adults in the United States: differences according to acculturation and among Hispanic subgroups

Elliot J Coups,Shawna V Hudson,Amanda Medina-Forrester,James S Goydos,Ana Natale-Pereira,Jerod L Stapleton

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-985

Abstract

BackgroundSkin cancer prevention interventions that target the growing number of U.S. Hispanics are lacking. The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of sun protection and exposure behaviors (i.e., sunscreen use, shade seeking, use of sun protective clothing, and sunburns) among U.S. Hispanics with sun sensitive skin, with a focus on potential differences according to acculturation and Hispanic origin.MethodsThe sample consisted of 1676 Hispanic adults who reported having sun sensitive skin (i.e., they would experience a sunburn if they went out in the sun for one hour without protection after several months of not being in the sun). Participants completed survey questions as part of the nationally representative 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Analyses were conducted in August 2012.ResultsGreater acculturation was linked with both risky (i.e., not wearing sun protective clothing) and protective (i.e., using sunscreen) sun-related practices and with an increased risk of sunburns. Sun protection and exposure behaviors also varied according to individuals’ Hispanic origin, with for example individuals of Mexican heritage having a higher rate of using sun protective clothing and experiencing sunburns than several other subgroups.ConclusionsSeveral Hispanic subpopulations (e.g., those who are more acculturated or from certain origins) represent important groups to target in skin cancer prevention interventions. Future research is needed to test culturally relevant, tailored interventions to promote sun protection behaviors among U.S. Hispanics. Such initiatives should focus on public health education and increasing healthcare provider awareness of the importance of skin cancer prevention among Hispanics.

Highlights

Skin cancer prevention interventions that target the growing number of U.S Hispanics are lacking
A notable exception is a study of 496 Hispanic adults [16] which found that individuals with a higher level of acculturation to U.S cultural norms reported a lower likelihood of wearing sun protective clothing and seeking shade and greater use of sunscreen
There was a significant association between the two acculturation variables (χ2 = 66.3, p < .001), such that 69.8% of those born in the United States reported speaking mostly or only English, compared to 19.2% of those residing 15 or more years in the country, 12.8% of those residing 10–14 years, and 8.0% of those living fewer than 10 years in the country

Summary

Introduction

Skin cancer prevention interventions that target the growing number of U.S Hispanics are lacking. The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of sun protection and exposure behaviors (i.e., sunscreen use, shade seeking, use of sun protective clothing, and sunburns) among U.S Hispanics with sun sensitive skin, with a focus on potential differences according to acculturation and Hispanic origin. The primary cause of skin cancer across all racial and ethnic groups is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light [15]. Recommended preventive behaviors include use of sunscreen, staying in the shade, and wearing sun protective clothing. A notable exception is a study of 496 Hispanic adults [16] which found that individuals with a higher level of acculturation to U.S cultural norms reported a lower likelihood of wearing sun protective clothing and seeking shade and greater use of sunscreen ( the association with sunscreen was not significant in multivariable analyses)

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Discussion

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