Predictors of the use of sunscreen in dermatological patients in Central Europe.
BACKGROUND
There is mounting evidence that sun exposure is a cause of skin cancer. Therefore, the focus of skin cancer prevention is on sun protection. The present study investigated the use of sunscreens in a sample from the adult Central European population.


METHODS
As part of a case-control study of cutaneous melanoma, a total of 498 controls with classical dermatological disorders were selected from hospitals in Central Europe. All people underwent whole-body skin examinations and were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire.


RESULTS
Overall, 40.8% of the people never used sunscreen and of the 281 persons who used sunscreen, 41.5% applied it only once per sun bath. Persons who did not use sunscreen tended to be older (P<0.0001) and of male gender (P = 0.0004). Young people, women, and people who expressed a positive attitude to the sun spent more time in the sun and were more likely to apply sunscreens. People who worked almost always outdoors had a six times increased odds ratio of not using sunscreens (P<0.0001) compared to people who worked always indoors.


CONCLUSIONS
Men, older people, and outdoor workers should be targeted in health education campaigns. On the other hand, people who apply sunscreen as a means of sun protection should be advised about adequate usage.
Garbe
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Section of Dermatologic Oncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany.
Buettner
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PG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001317:Austria; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland
D013473:Sunscreening Agents