Assessment of sunscreen knowledge: a pilot survey.
BACKGROUND
Topical sunscreens are designed to block and absorb UV radiation from the sun and have the potential to decrease the risk of skin cancer and delay the photoaging. Many studies have examined the behavior patterns of the public on sunscreen use, but little is known regarding the level of knowledge the public has regarding sunscreen.


OBJECTIVE
To assess general sunscreen knowledge of the public and to determine factors associated with sunscreen purchasing decisions.


METHODS
Individuals attending health seminars in New Jersey were asked to complete a 22-question survey regarding sunscreen. The questions assessed the respondent's familiarity and comprehension of sunscreen terminology, sunscreen application and sunscreen efficacy claims. Descriptive frequencies, Chi-square analyses and t-tests were used to characterize the responses.


RESULTS
Four hundred and twenty-three individuals completed the survey. Approximately 86% of the subjects knew that sunscreen use could prevent sunburn, and 70% reported that sunscreen could prevent skin cancer. However, only 32.1% of respondents knew that sunscreen should be applied 30 min before going outside, and only 30% knew the appropriate reapplication recommendation. Merely 18% of respondents knew that approximately 1 ounce of sunscreen is required to cover the entire body. The overall mean composite sunscreen knowledge score for the respondents was 4.9 out of a possible 12 points. SPF and UVA are the most important factors that effect purchase decision.


CONCLUSIONS
The study indicates that a majority of the subjects understand the benefits associated with sunscreen use, but their knowledge base is somewhat superficial. More education is needed on the appropriate application of the sunscreen. More importantly, the majority did not understand the subtle, but crucial difference between a UVA claim for a product and the SPF value listed on the product.
Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. wangs@mskcc.org
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D000287:Administration, Topical; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011481:Protective Clothing; D012307:Risk Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects; D015595:Skin Aging; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013473:Sunscreening Agents