Sun protection behaviors among people living with HIV

Dermatol Online J. 2021 May 15;27(5). doi: 10.5070/D327553610.

Abstract

People living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk for both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, but there is currently no data on sun protection behaviors among PLWH. We created a 28-question paper survey to collect information on patient demographics and sun protection behaviors among PLWH. We found that although 71.6% of respondents reported spending at least 30 minutes to two hours in the sun daily, only 29.7% reported consistent use of sunscreen. In addition, 41.9% rarely or never received sunscreen counseling by their healthcare providers. There is therefore a need for increased training for healthcare providers in sun protection behavior counseling for PLWH.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Report
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Sunburn / complications
  • Sunburn / prevention & control*
  • Sunscreening Agents
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Sunscreening Agents