[Knowledge and attitudes of Mexican population concerning solar radiation].
BACKGROUND
The effects of solar radiation in human health is dependent upon environment, behavior, and genetic characteristics.


OBJECTIVE
Identify phenotypic features, attitudes, knowledge and preventive measures concerning sun exposure among a local population.


METHODS
People older than 15 years were interviewed concerning time of sun exposure, photoprotection, and general knowledge about adverse effects of sun irradiation.


RESULTS
964 questionnaires were analyzed. White-skin population represented 7.4%, light-brown 24.8%, dark-brown 67.8%. Exposure time on working days was up to 15 min in 27.8%, and more than 60 min in 38.8%. On weekends, time exposure was similar. 30% did not take any preventive measures 41% wore hats and 11.8% used sunscreens. Among participants, 85.4% were aware that sun exposure caused skin cancer, 64. 1% knew that mortality is increased, 83.4% reported that excessive sun exposure is related to aging of the skin, and 26.5% believed tanning is healthy.


CONCLUSIONS
In spite of thefact that a great majority of the population recognized that sun exposure produces aging and skin cancer, their exposure is widespread. This survey may be a valuable tool to design preventive public health campaigns that target high risk groups.
Castanedo-Cazares
Juan Pablo
JP
Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Central Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., México.
Torres-Alvarez
Bertha
B
Medellín-Pérez
María Eugenia
ME
Aguilar-Hernández
Gustavo Adolfo
GA
Moncada
Brenjamín
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects