BACKGROUND: Public health campaigns encourage the public to protect themselves against skin cancer by using sunscreens and taking other protective measures. However, it is difficult to estimate the level of awareness among the general public. METHODS: This study explores the prevalence and predictors of solar protection behavior in a community sample of beachgoers. During the months of May, June, July and August 2001 a total of 360 participants (145 men and 215 women) were randomly selected from several Belgian beaches in and around the city of Ostend, Belgium. The solar protection behavior of each participant was assessed by direct observation and interview. RESULTS: The risk awareness percentages were 70.6% for skin cancer, 60.8% for sunburn and 25.0% for skin aging. These percentages were considerably higher in the female participant group than in the male group. Sunscreen cream was the most popular preventive behavior, especially in the female population, whereas the alternative protective measures (limited exposure during peak sun hours, the use of shade and the use of protective clothing and hats) were more popular in the male group. CONCLUSIONS: While solar protection has become part of routine beach behavior, there is room for improvement by more frequent application of sunscreen cream, the use of a higher sun protection factor (SPF) (15+), timed sunbathing, more use of clothing and hats and more seeking of shade. The results of this study can assist in evaluating the effectiveness of current sun-protection campaigns and health education programs.
BACKGROUND: Public health campaigns encourage the public to protect themselves against skin cancer by using sunscreens and taking other protective measures. However, it is difficult to estimate the level of awareness among the general public. METHODS: This study explores the prevalence and predictors of solar protection behavior in a community sample of beachgoers. During the months of May, June, July and August 2001 a total of 360 participants (145 men and 215 women) were randomly selected from several Belgian beaches in and around the city of Ostend, Belgium. The solar protection behavior of each participant was assessed by direct observation and interview. RESULTS: The risk awareness percentages were 70.6% for skin cancer, 60.8% for sunburn and 25.0% for skin aging. These percentages were considerably higher in the female participant group than in the male group. Sunscreen cream was the most popular preventive behavior, especially in the female population, whereas the alternative protective measures (limited exposure during peak sun hours, the use of shade and the use of protective clothing and hats) were more popular in the male group. CONCLUSIONS: While solar protection has become part of routine beach behavior, there is room for improvement by more frequent application of sunscreen cream, the use of a higher sun protection factor (SPF) (15+), timed sunbathing, more use of clothing and hats and more seeking of shade. The results of this study can assist in evaluating the effectiveness of current sun-protection campaigns and health education programs.
Authors: David B Buller; Dallas R English; Mary Klein Buller; Jody Simmons; James A Chamberlain; Melanie Wakefield; Suzanne Dobbinson Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2017-10-19 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Katharina Diehl; Karlijn Thoonen; Eckhard W Breitbart; Annette B Pfahlberg; Tatiana Görig Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-04 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: David B Buller; Suzanne Dobbinson; Dallas R English; Melanie Wakefield; Mary Klein Buller Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Date: 2017-02-07 Impact factor: 2.226
Authors: Fernanda Ayres de Morais E Silva Cardoso; Gerardo Vasconcelos Mesquita; Viriato Campelo; Maria do Carmo de Carvalho E Martins; Camila Aparecida Pinheiro Landim Almeida; Regina Silva Rabelo; Amanda Eugênia Almeida Rocha; Jadson Lener Oliveira Dos Santos Journal: An Bras Dermatol Date: 2017 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 1.896