Non-use of sunscreen among adults and the elderly in southern Brazil

Abstract

Background: One of the main prevention methods against skin cancer is the use of sunscreen; however, incidence of this disease has not declined despite prevention campaigns.

Objective: Investigate the prevalence of non-use of sunscreen and its associated factors.

Method: A population-based cross-sectional study with individuals aged 18 years or over living in the urban area. Conducted between April and July of 2016. Participants were interviewed about socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral questions. Non-use of sunscreen was considered as the outcome. For multivariate analysis, Poisson regression with robust adjustment for variance was used.

Results: Among the 1300 participants, prevalence of non-use of sunscreen was 38.2% (95% CI: 34.6-41.8). The variables independently associated with the outcome were male sex, older age, brown or black skin color, lower income, fewer years of education, no physical activity in leisure time, no medical consultations in the last year, and self-perception of health as regular or poor.

Study limitations: The prevalence may be underestimated by reports of more use of sunscreen than actually used, which could increase the figure in the outcome.

Conclusion: It was estimated that about four out of ten adults and elderly do not use sunscreen in this sample. Prevention strategies are needed to advance health policy and ensure that sun protection options are easily accessible.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Skin neoplasms; Solar radiation; Sunscreening agents.