Psychosocial correlates of sun protection behaviors among U.S. Hispanic adults

Abstract

The incidence of skin cancer among U.S. Hispanics increased 1.3% annually from 1992 to 2008. However, little research has focused on skin cancer prevention among the rapidly growing Hispanic population. In this study, we examined theory-driven, psychosocial correlates of sun protection behaviors in a population-based sample of 787 Hispanic adults (49.6% female, mean age = 41.0 years) residing in five southern or western U.S. states. Participants completed an English- or Spanish-language online survey in September 2011. The outcomes of focus were sunscreen use, shade seeking, and use of sun protective clothing. The correlates included suntan benefits, sun protection benefits and barriers, skin color preference, perceived natural skin protection, photo-aging concerns, perceived skin cancer risk, skin cancer worry, skin cancer fatalism, and sun protection descriptive norms. Results of multiple linear regression analyses revealed the following: sun protection barriers were negatively associated with each outcome; descriptive norms were positively associated with each outcome; perceived natural skin protection was inversely associated with sunscreen use; skin cancer worry was positively associated with shade seeking and use of sun protective clothing; skin cancer fatalism was negatively associated with shade seeking; and skin color preference was negatively associated with use of sun protective clothing. A number of additional statistically significant associations were identified in bivariate correlation analyses. This study informs the potential content of interventions to promote engagement in sun protection behaviors among U.S. Hispanics.

Sun Protection Beliefs among Hispanics in the US

“…One study reported a midrange score in terms of skin cancer worry in Hispanics. Another study found that perceived skin cancer severity was associated with incidence of total body examination (i.e., a head-to-toe examination of the skin performed by a physician used to identify suspicious growths that may be cancer or growths that may develop into skin), but not with incidence of skin self-examination (i.e., a head-to-toe examination of the skin performed by the individual, not a physician) [30, 31]. …”

“…A third study also found lower perception of skin cancer risk when Hispanics were compared with whites but the difference was not significant when participants were asked to compare their own likelihood of getting skin cancer compared with the risk of an average person of the same age [29]. Two studies reported similar scores on their skin cancer risk and photoaging (changes in skin appearance induced by sun exposure) concern measures but used different scales for the scores [30, 34]. Participants were inclined to not agree or disagree (midrange score) with the following statement: “The natural color of my skin protects me from the sun” [30].…”

“…Two studies reported similar scores on their skin cancer risk and photoaging (changes in skin appearance induced by sun exposure) concern measures but used different scales for the scores [30, 34]. Participants were inclined to not agree or disagree (midrange score) with the following statement: “The natural color of my skin protects me from the sun” [30]. After quantifying qualitative information from an all-female sample, it was found that less than half of the participants believe they can develop skin cancer [24].…”

“…It was also reported that more than half of Hispanics believe that tanning makes people look more attractive and do not endorse the belief that tanning makes people older [37]. One study showed that Hispanics tend to marginally agree more with statements regarding sun protection benefits than barriers [30]. Participants also indicated what were the most important benefits and barriers to engage in sun protection behaviors, with “avoid getting sunburn” and “not part of my daily routine” as frequently endorsed statements.…”

Young Australian adults’ reactions to viewing personalised UV photoaged photographs

“…Indeed, a degree of skin cancer fatalism exists within this age cohort. 16 Thus, since the primary motivation for UV exposure in young adults is to obtain a suntan, and the primary motive for sun tanning is appearance enhancement, it is reasoned that public health campaigns that highlight the negative effects of sun exposure on appearance might be more effective than those emphasising health risks.…”