Sun Protection Knowledge Research Articles

Comparison of the knowledge level of individuals living in rural and urban areas about skin cancer and sun protection

Background: Among the types of cancer, skin cancer stands out due to its increasing incidence rate both in Turkey and around the world. This study was conducted to compare the knowledge level of the people living in rural and urban areas about skin cancer and sun protection.Methods: The study was conducted with 384 people living in Kirazlı village (rural area) and Türkmen district (urban area) in Kuşadası. Kuşadası town is located in Turkey's western region. Individual’s skin cancer and sun protection knowledge levels were evaluated with Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale consisting of 25 items.Results: As a result of this evaluation, the median values were 12.5 for the people living in rural areas and 15 for the people living in urban areas. It was found that there was a statistically meaningful difference between skin cancer and sun knowledge scale points of the people living in rural and urban areas (U=9419.5, p<0.01).Conclusions: This study concludes that individuals from urban populations were more knowledgeable than the ones from rural populations in the field of skin cancer and the sun protection behavior.

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

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.

A Sun Safety Pilot Program Using a Tanning Myths–Focused Video Contest for Utah Adolescents: Cross-sectional Analysis

BackgroundAdolescents are susceptible to excessive ultraviolet exposure due to intentional tanning, outdoor lifestyles, and poor sunscreen adherence. As skin cancer incidence continues to rise in the United States, effective and focused interventions are needed to encourage photoprotective behaviors.ObjectiveThis study seeks to determine poor photoprotective behavior risk factors in adolescents residing in Utah and whether video contest participants have increased sun-protective knowledge and intentions.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we surveyed Utah high school students (n=20) who participated in a tanning myths-themed public service announcement video contest. A control cohort of students who did not participate in the video contest were also surveyed (n=89). Demographics, sun exposure history, intentions to tan, and intentions to use sunscreen were documented. Knowledge of tanning myths was assessed with a 7-question sun safety quiz.ResultsThe survey response rate was 93.2% (109/117). Two-thirds reported at least one sunburn, and 47.7% (52/109) reported intentional tanning within the past 2 years. Higher tanning intentions were associated with a personal (P&lt;.001), family (P=.001), and peer (P&lt;.001) history of tanning. Video contest participants had higher sun safety quiz scores (P&lt;.001) and higher sunscreen use intentions (P=.01), but did not have decreased tanning intentions (P=.47) compared to non–video contest participants. Hispanic and Black students were less likely to participate in the video contest (P&lt;.001 and P=.04, respectively). In a comparison of White students to students of color, there were no differences in sun exposure history, but students of color had lower sun safety knowledge (P=.01) and lower sunscreen use intention (P=.02).ConclusionsSun safety educational disparities exist, and targeted efforts are needed to encourage photoprotective behaviors in high-risk populations. Our findings suggest that video contest participation may encourage sunscreen use and sun protection awareness.

Sun Protection Behaviors and Knowledge in Mountain Marathon Runners and Risk Factors for Sunburn

Background and objectivesThe incidence of skin cancer in our society is growing at an alarming rate due to overexposure to solar UV radiation in recreational and occupational settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate sun exposure and protection attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge among mountain ultramarathon runners and to assess risk factors for sunburn in this population. Material and methodsCross-sectional survey of runners who participated in the Gran Trail Aneto-Posets race in Aragon, Spain. Using a validated questionnaire, we collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, running experience, sunburn in the previous summer, and sun exposure and protection behaviors. We calculated descriptive statistics and performed bivariate and multivariate analyses of associations using history of sunburn as the primary outcome. Statistical significance was set at a P level of less than .05. ResultsWe surveyed 657 runners (72.1% men) with a mean age of 39.71 years; 45.1% reported sunburn in the past year. The most common protective measures used were sunglasses (74.7%), sunscreen (sun protection factor ≥ 15) (61.9%), a hat (52.2%), and other protective clothing (7.4%). Risk factors for sunburn were younger age, low Fitzpatrick skin type (I and II), running for 3 or more hours a day, and staying in the shade as a protective measure. By contrast, protective factors were use of sunscreen and seeking shade rather than sun at midday (P < .001). ConclusionsSunburn is common among long-distance mountain runners, despite what appears to be adequate sun protection knowledge and behaviors. Targeted strategies are needed to improve sun protection behaviors among mountain runners.

Sun protection knowledge and habits among street vendors of the Moshoqueque market, Chiclayo

espanolObjetivo: Determinar los conocimientos y habitos de proteccion solar en comerciantes ambulantes del mercadoMoshoqueque (Chiclayo, Lambayeque), en los meses de enero y febrero del 2020. Materiales y metodos: Estudio descriptivo y transversal. Se elaboro una ficha de recoleccion de datos. El tamano muestral fue de 362 comerciantes ambulantes. Se aplico el 95 % de confianza, el 5 % de precision y 50 % de la frecuencia esperada.Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 48,54 (DE = 11,6 anos) y la mayoria de los participantes fueron mujeres (61 %). La mediana del tiempo como comerciantes ambulantes fue 15 anos. El 92,50 % de los participantes se expone al sol por 7,6 horas al dia. En cuanto a los conocimientos, mas del 90 % reconoce que el enrojecimiento y el envejecimiento de la piel son efectos de la radiacion ultravioleta (RUV). Respecto a los habitos de proteccion solar, el 34 % nunca usa bloqueador y el 90 % no usa sombrero de ala ancha, pero si visera y sombrilla.Conclusiones: Los comerciantes conocen que el enrojecimiento y el envejecimiento son productos de la radiacion ultravioleta. Sin embargo, desconocen que el dolor de cabeza no es causado por RUV y que despues de tener una quemadura solar es necesario utilizar fotoproteccion. En cuanto a habitos de proteccion, nunca usan bloqueador, pero si visera o gorro (pero no sombreros de ala ancha). Trabajan alrededor de 7,6 h diarias, por mas de una decada. EnglishObjective: To determine the sun protection knowledge and habits among street vendors of the Moshoqueque market (Chiclayo, Lambayeque) in January and February 2020. Materials and methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study. A data collection sheet was prepared. The sample consisted of 362 street vendors. A 95 % confidence interval, 5 % accuracy and 50 % of the expected frequency were applied. Results: The average age of the study subjects was 48.54 (SD = 11.6 years) and most of them were women (61 %). The median time as street vendors was 15 years. Ninety-two point five percent (92.5 %) were exposed to the sun 7.6 hours perday. Regarding sun protection knowledge, more than 90 % were aware that skin redness and aging are effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). As for their sun protection habits, 34 % never used sunscreen, 90 % did not wear wide-brimmed hats, butthey used visors and umbrellas.Conclusions: Vendors know that redness and aging are the result of UVR. However, they do not know that headache is not caused by UVR and that after sun burning it is still necessary to use sunscreen. As for their sun protection habits, theynever use sunscreen; they wear a visor or a hat (but not wide-brimmed hats). They have worked around 7.6 hours a day for more than a decade.

13664 Sunscreen: A brief walk through history

Although our knowledge of sun protection and skin cancer has grown dramatically in the past few decades, the need for protection against the sun has existed since antiquity. Pharmacy shelves—devoid of sun protection products a century ago—are now lined with an assortment of sunscreens with a variety of active ingredients and formulations aimed to please everyone from the outdoorsman to the beauty conscience shopper. Our objective is to illustrate a historical timeline of sun protection methods, current sunscreen developments, and the future direction of sun protection.

15706 Effect of a one-hour interactive sun safety presentation on sun protection knowledge and intentions in high school students

Introduction: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in those aged 25-29 and the second most common in those aged 15-29. Teenagers and young adults continue to receive large amounts of both intentional and unintentional exposure to sunlight, which is a well known risk factor for developing skin cancer.

Hábitos y conocimientos sobre fotoprotección y factores de riesgo para quemadura solar en corredores de maratones de montaña

Background and objectivesThe incidence of skin cancer in our society is growing at an alarming rate due to overexposure to solar UV radiation in recreational and occupational settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate sun exposure and protection attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge among mountain ultramarathon runners and to assess risk factors for sunburn in this population. Material and methodsCross-sectional survey of runners who participated in the «Gran Trail Aneto-Posets» race in Aragon, Spain. Using a validated questionnaire, we collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, running experience, sunburn in the previous summer, and sun exposure and protection behaviors. We calculated descriptive statistics and performed bivariate and multivariate analyses of associations using history of sunburn as the primary outcome. Statistical significance was set at a p level of less than 0.05. ResultsWe surveyed 657 runners (72.1% men) with a mean age of 39.71 years; 45.1% reported sunburn in the past year. The most common protective measures used were sunglasses (74.7%), sunscreen (sun protection factor ≥ 15) (61.9%), a hat (52.2%), and other protective clothing (7.4%). Risk factors for sunburn were younger age, low Fitzpatrick skin type (I and II), running for three or more hours a day, and staying in the shade as a protective measure. By contrast, protective factors were use of sunscreen and seeking shade rather than sun at midday (p < 0.001). ConclusionsSunburn is common among long-distance mountain runners, despite what appears to be adequate sun protection knowledge and behaviors. Targeted strategies are needed to improve sun protection behaviors among mountain runners.

Sun Protection Behaviour and Sunburns in Spanish Cyclists.

Sunburn caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of preventable skin cancer. This study aimed to describe the sun protection habits and rate of sunburns associated with the practice of cycling and to identify predictive factors of sunburn among cyclists. A descriptive observational study based on online surveys was conducted. Recruitment of participants was conducted through the Andalusian Cycling Federation (Spain). A questionnaire on behaviour, attitudes, and knowledge related to sun exposure was used. A bivariate analysis was carried out with sunburn episodes during the previous year as outcome variable, and a multivariate logistic regression model was built. Of the 1018 surveys returned, 87.6% were answered by men, mean age was 41.8 years (SD: 11.0), and 37.6% of the participants had phototype I or II. Sunburns during the previous year were reported by 45.6% (95% CI: 42.5-48.7) of the respondents. Sunscreen use was reported by 39.2%, and 61.0% did not examine their skin regularly despite the fact that 34 subjects (3.4%) reported a personal history of skin cancer. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there was a negative correlation between episodes of sunburn and age, phototypes I-II, more than 2 h of sun exposure, and inconsistent use of sunscreen. Cyclists have high rates of sunburns and thus constitute a high-risk group for developing skin cancer. Educational interventions specifically aimed at this group of athletes would improve sun protection knowledge and practices, particularly the use of sunscreen.

Sun Protection Policies and Practices in Preschool and Elementary Schools in Andalusia (Spain).

Sun exposure in childhood is a major risk factor for the development of skin cancer as an adult. School children spend much of their time outdoors exposed to ultraviolet radiation during recreational and sports activities. Skin cancer incidence tripled from 1978 to 2002 in Spain. Andalusia, the largest and sunniest region of Spain, lacks data on the sun protection measures taken in schools. To address this deficit, the aim of this study was to determine photoprotection practices and policies in preschools and primary schools in Andalusia. This descriptive study involved the administration of an online questionnaire completed by principals regarding school sun protection policies and practices. Preschool and primary schools were selected from the database of the Ministry of Education of the Andalusian Regional Government. Information of interest included photoprotection policies, students' sun protection knowledge, sun protection measures, relevant curricular content, and availability of shade at the school. A total of 2425 schools were contacted. Of them, 420 schools responded (17.31%), with the highest number of responses received from Malaga (23.8%) and Seville (19.5%) provinces. Of those responding, 67.1% of the schools did not have written sun protection policies. The photoprotection measures reported included mandatory use of a cap or hat (3.3%), use of sunglasses in outdoor areas (30%), and active encouragement of students to use sunscreen (50.7%). Roughly 24% of schools evaluated their shaded areas, with 52.9% reporting insufficient protection for most activities. The study results showed that photoprotection policies and practices in Andalusian schools were mostly insufficient. Given that skin cancer incidence has increased considerably over the last decade, it is important to concentrate on improving primary prevention practices. Additionally, photoprotection programs in schools have been shown to improve children's knowledge, attitudes, and habits regarding photoprotection. Thus, it is essential for Andalusian preschools and primary schools to develop policies and strategies to help reduce children's sun exposure while at school.

Effectiveness of the SolSano Program on Sun Protection Habits, Knowledge, and Attitudes Among University Students

Background and objectiveThe SolSano (HealthySun) project is a primary school sun education program that has been running in Aragon, Spain, since 2000. In the short term, it has proven to be effective at promoting sun protection behaviors and heightening awareness in childhood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the SolSano program. Participants and methodsRetrospective, observational, analytical, cohort study of students at the University of Zaragoza between 2015 and 2016. The students answered a previously validated, purpose-designed, online questionnaire. We calculated descriptive statistics for all variables and performed bivariate and multivariate analyses to test for differences between students who had attended a primary school that ran the SolSano program and those who had not. ResultsData for 324 students were analyzed. Mean age was 22.9 years and 78% of the respondents were women. In total, 44% of the students had participated in the SolSano program at primary school. Half of the respondents (50.5%) had experienced 1 or 2 sunburn episodes the previous summer. Significant differences were only observed for some aspects addressed by the questionnaire between SolSano participants and nonparticipants. ConclusionsThis is the first study to evaluate the long-term effectiveness (15 years) of a primary school sun protection program. The absence of significant differences in our sample might be explained by non-continuation of the program into adolescence and the existence of sun protection campaigns outside the school.

Behavioural and pharmaceutical interventions for the prevention of skin cancers in solid organ transplant recipients: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

ObjectivesSolid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of skin cancer, affecting more than 50% of recipients. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of interventions for behavioural change for sun...

Adolescent Sun Protection Behaviors and Beliefs

The incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer has increased among children and adolescents. Studies in the pediatric population have shown low rates of sun protection with modest improvement over the past several decades. This descriptive study characterizes photo protection behaviors and knowledge, specifically among pediatric dermatology patients in order to identify gaps in knowledge and guide discussion for health providers. Adolescents ages 12 to 20 completed surveys, which evaluated use of sun protection, beliefs about tanning and skin cancer, and sources of information. Results demonstrated that only nine percent of participants reported daily, year-round use of sunscreen. The majority (71%) reported use only during the summer months or when spending prolonged periods of time outdoors. Rates of indoor tanning were lower than reported in the literature, with only one percent reporting indoor tanning use. The majority of patients reported family members were the primary source of sun protection education. The authors conclude that while adolescents receiving care in the pediatric dermatology setting demonstrate sufficient knowledge about skin cancer prevention, adherence remains low. This study identified family members as the primary source of sun protection knowledge. Dermatologists should consider increased parental education to improve adolescent patient behavior.

Randomised controlled trial to evaluate the influence of mHealth and eHealth skin cancer prevention education among young organ transplant recipients: the HIPPOlino intervention study

ObjectivesTo determine whether a multicomponent sun protection intervention programme (mHealth) for young organ transplant recipients (OTR) leads to a higher increase of preventive knowledge and behavioural change than an e-learning...

Sunburn paradoxes and the New Zealand population

Over the past decade, paradoxes have emerged in the skin cancer prevention and sunburn reduction literature. These include that individuals with higher sun protection knowledge; lower positive attitudes towards tanning; and who are users of sunscreen have higher odds of sunburn. It is also possible that sunburn paradoxes may be associated with those whose sunburn was unintended. New Zealand and Australia have, by far, the highest age standardised incidence rates of melanoma skin cancer in the world, and this study examines the extent to which sunburn and unintended sunburn is associated with the sunburn paradox variables. Sun Exposure Survey data New Zealanders aged 15 + years were gathered by the New Zealand Health Promotion Agency in 2016. Linkages were examined between sunburn, unintended sunburn and the paradox variables: sun protection knowledge, attitudes towards tanning and use of sunscreen. Sunburn was associated with higher respondent sun protection knowledge. No statistically significant associations were found between unintended sunburn and the paradox variables. This research indicates that in a well-designed study of a sample representative of the New Zealand population, the sun protection knowledge sunburn paradox still exists. Despite a high level of sun protection knowledge, many people still become sunburned. Therefore, it is important to examine this paradox further in order to find ways to reduce sunburn frequency among New Zealanders. Potential ways to reduce sunburn are discussed.

Associations between linguistic acculturation and skin cancer knowledge and beliefs among U.S. Hispanic adults.

The incidence of melanoma among U.S. Hispanics is rising and Hispanics have poorer melanoma survival compared to non-Hispanic whites. Acculturation has been linked with skin cancer-related behaviors among Hispanic individuals, such that Hispanic individuals who are more acculturated to U.S. norms and attitudes have been found to use sunscreen more frequently, to seek shade and use sun protective clothing less often, to sunbathe and indoor tan more frequently, and to have more sunburns than less acculturated individuals. However, little is known about factors that may account for the effect of acculturation on such behaviors and outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine the association between linguistic acculturation and skin cancer-related knowledge and beliefs among Hispanic adults. 788 Hispanic adults completed an online survey measuring linguistic acculturation, sun protection knowledge, perceived skin cancer risk, perceived severity, perceived worry, skin color preference, perceived suntan benefits, photo-aging concerns, sun protection norms, tanning norms and skin cancer fatalism. Compared with Spanish-acculturated Hispanics, English-acculturated Hispanics had greater knowledge, lower levels of perceived risk of skin cancer, lower perceived severity of skin cancer, less worry about skin cancer, greater perceived suntan benefits, and lower photo-aging concerns. This study highlights the importance of considering an individual's level of acculturation when designing skin cancer prevention interventions. Additional research is warranted to develop and test culturally relevant, tailored interventions to reduce the risks of skin cancer among U.S. Hispanics.

Skin cancer knowledge and photoprotective practices of organ transplant recipients.

Long-term use of immunosuppressive medications by organ transplant recipients (OTRs) leads to anincreased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). The objective of this study was to assess photoprotective knowledge and practices among OTRs and to identify predictors of poor sunscreen adherence and barriers to photoprotection. A written survey was administered to 300 solid OTRs attending the Southern Alberta Transplant Program. Demographics, transplant and NMSC history, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, photoprotective knowledge and practices, and barriers to implementing photoprotection were collected. Relevant statistical analyses and univariate and multivariable regression models on sunscreen use were performed. One hundred and seventy-nine of the 300 respondents reported not using sunscreen most days despite 79.3% recalling have received photoprotection education. Of the surveyed OTRs, 45.7% reported no barriers to implementing photoprotective practices. On average, respondents scored 74.5% on a commonly used tool to assess photoprotective knowledge (SD 30.6%). In multivariable analyses, older age, male gender, and lack of post-secondary education were associated with lower rates of self-reported sunscreen use. The most commonly patient-reported barriers to photoprotection were "hassle/time consuming" (16.7%) and "sunscreen is uncomfortable or unpleasant" (10.0%). Despite OTRs self-reporting having received sufficient sun-protective knowledge and demonstrating reasonable recollection of photoprotective education on assessment, implementation of sun protection in the studied OTRs remains suboptimal.

Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Sun Protection Behaviors and Knowledge Among a High-Risk and Overlooked Group of Outdoor Workers in South Africa.

The exposure of outdoor car guards to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), the majority with deeply pigmented skin, to solar UVR was measured for five consecutive days during early spring (September 2017) in South Africa using electronic UVR dosimeters attached to the upper arm of each participant. The exposure of the nape of the neck, forehead, nose, cheek and hand was extrapolated from the measurements. The onsite ambient solar UVR on a flat, horizontal, unshaded surface was measured concurrently. The sun-related knowledge, behavior and attitudes of the car guards were evaluated using questionnaires. Total personal daily solar UVR exposure as a percentage of the ambient solar UVR exposure was 24%. The exposure of car guards on several body sites was in excess of the occupational threshold limit value. Sleeved shirts and hats were the most commonly used sun protection measures (worn by 70% and 80%, respectively). Considering the high levels of solar UVR reported on most days throughout the year in South Africa, more studies quantifying the personal exposure of outdoor workers in both the informal and formal sectors are necessary.

"We Don't Really Do Anything Unless it's Really Bad": Understanding Adolescent Sun Protective Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors in the U.S.

Risk factors for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, include lifetime sun exposure and a history of sunburns. However, a minority of adolescents report consistent engagement in sun protective behaviors. The few sun protection interventions that have targeted adolescents have had little effect on behavior change, which suggests that a better understanding of the issue, especially from the adolescents' perspective, is needed. Although efforts to qualitatively examine adolescent sun protection have been carried out in a handful of countries, no studies to date have focused on U.S. adolescents. We conducted focus groups with 44 6th-8th grade students in Colorado to explore their sun protection knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. Results supported previous findings that adolescents do not engage in regular skin protection but have experienced the negative consequences of sun exposure (e.g., severe sun burns, and blistering). In addition, participants demonstrated limited and sometimes inaccurate knowledge about the long-term risks of sun exposure, as well as effective methods of sun protection. Barriers to engaging in sun protective behaviors included a desire to tan, inconvenience, and physical discomfort. Facilitators included peer and family encouragement, previous experience with sunburns and/or skin cancer, and knowledge of potential consequences. These findings provide valuable insights that can inform future intervention and research related to sun protection among U.S. adolescents.

Skin Cancer Risk Awareness and Sun-Protective Behavior Among Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients.

Solid-organ transplant recipients are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer; this risk is due to long-term graft-preserving immunosuppressive therapy, and excessive sun exposure is a major contributing factor to this process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skin cancer awareness and sun-protective behavior of solid-organ transplant recipients. In all, 70 consecutive solid-organ transplant recipients were evaluated regarding knowledge of their increased skin cancer risk and regarding the influence of this knowledge on their sun-protective practices, by applying a questionnaire during their routine check-up visits. Of 70 solid-organ transplant recipients, 38 (54.3%) stated knowledge of hazardous consequences of sun exposure; however, only 28 (40%) had the knowledge of causal relationship between sun and skin cancer development. There were 31 patients (44.3%) who were unable to recall anybody giving any information to them about sun protection, and 40 patients (57.1%) had never visited a dermatology clinic. The 10 solid-organ transplant recipients (14.3%) who used sunscreen creams daily had been undergoing regular dermatologic examination. Regarding sun-protective clothing, only 8 patients (11.4%) had been wearing a suitable hat, long sleeves, and sunglasses when outdoors. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups who had visited a dermatology clinic versus those who had not regarding knowledge of sun protection, the causal relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer, the use of sunscreens, and use of sun-protective clothing (P < .05). Our data showed that dermatologic examination and education of patients about skin cancer development and sunscreen measures improved the sun-protective habits of solid-organ transplant recipients. Therefore, orderly visits once or twice a year should be strongly advised for this patient population by their medical care providers.