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Prevalence and predictors of sunburn among beachgoers
Author(s) -
TroyaMartín Magdalena,
GálvezAranda María Victoria,
RivasRuiz Francisco,
BlázquezSánchez Nuria,
FernándezMorano Maria Teresa,
PadillaEspaña Laura,
HerreraCeballos Enrique
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
photodermatology, photoimmunology and photomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.736
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1600-0781
pISSN - 0905-4383
DOI - 10.1111/phpp.12354
Subject(s) - sunburn , phototype , medicine , skin cancer , sun protection , environmental health , demography , male gender , dermatology , cancer , sociology
Summary Background Painful sunburns at any age are one of the main risk factors for skin cancer. Objectives To determine the prevalence and predictors of sunburn among beachgoers. Methods A cross‐sectional health survey was conducted at the beach during the summer. Adults >18 years with an understanding of Spanish were interviewed using a questionnaire about behaviours, attitudes and knowledge related to sun exposure at the beach. A descriptive analysis was performed, and a log‐binomial regression model was used to determine predictors of sunburn. Results The survey was completed by 1054 beachgoers, with a mean age of 43.8 (SD: 18.7) years, 61.2% women, skin phototypes i (13.6%), ii (22.3%), iii (34.0%) and iv (30.2%). 46.9% of responders reported at least one painful sunburn during the previous summer. Age, sex, education, skin phototype, midday sun exposure, sun protection habits, attitudes towards tanning and knowledge about skin cancer were identified as independent predictors of sunburn. Conclusions It is necessary to develop photoprotection campaigns aimed at beachgoers, particularly in young people, men, those with skin phototypes I‐III and secondary or university education. Educational strategies should be aimed at discouraging sun exposure at midday, changing attitudes towards tanning and improving knowledge about skin cancer.