Sun-protection behaviors among African Americans.
BACKGROUND
Data suggest that the prevalence of sun-protection behaviors is low (44%) among African Americans; the samples in such studies, however, tended to be small or nonrepresentative.


OBJECTIVE
This article aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of sun-protection behaviors among a large, random, statewide sample of African-American adults living in California to ascertain behavioral patterns and highlight directions for targeted interventions.


METHODS
From September 2006 through May 2008, an anonymous health survey collected data on sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brim hat use among a random sample of 2187 African-American adults, and assessed demographic, regional, skin type, and other potential correlates of these behaviors. The analysis was conducted in 2009.


RESULTS
Only 31% engaged in at least one sun-protection behavior; of the three behaviors, sunscreen use was the least prevalent, with 63% never using sunscreen. Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that gender, SES, and skin type were significant predictors of sun-protection behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
Tailored interventions to increase sun-protection behaviors among African Americans (men in particular) are needed.
Pichon
Latrice C
LC
Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory, Ann Arbor MI 48109-2029, USA. lpichon@umich.edu
Corral
Irma
I
Landrine
Hope
H
Mayer
Joni A
JA
Norman
Gregory J
GJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
D013473:Sunscreening Agents