Sunscreen use and sun exposure. Trends in a white population

Abstract

Patients (489) were surveyed during the summer mo. to evaluate their sun-exposure habits and beliefs, and their use of sunscreens. Of the 71% had 1 or more h of sun exposure on at least 1 day per wk. Men had more sun exposure than women. Subjects 30 yr old and younger spent more time in the sun than those older than 30 yr. Subjects with skin types 1 and 2 were least frequently sun exposed and tended to use sunscreens most often. Sunscreens were used by 41% of the subjects, 1/3 of whom used them with the belief that tanning would be promoted. In a 4-wk follow-up evaluation, 342 patients were contacted by telephone. Knowledge of the sun protection factor and sun-exposure risks was improved, presumably by reading an informational pamphlet provided; but sunscreen use improved very little.