Objectives: We conducted an online survey worldwide to understant knowledge towards risks towards sun axposure and behaviors in order to further develop educational tools to improve sun protection
Introduction: Behavioural interventions can improve attitudes towards sun protection but the impact remains inconsistent worldwide.
Materials / method: Online survey was conducted from 28 September to 18 October 2021. Study population was selected from the Ipsos online Panel (3,540,000 panellists), aged ≥18 years, from 17 countries around the five continents. Demographics, sun-exposure habits and practices, understanding of risks and information on phototypes were documented and analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The population comprised 49% men, average age was 44.5 years (SD:16.3) and 61% were of phototype 2-3. Although 88% of the population was aware of sun-related skin-health issues, only 12% systematically/often use all protections measures during exposure; this practice was different across continents and countries within a continent. 23% considered it safe to expose themselves without protection when already tanned. 83% had experienced a sunburn. 57% regretted not having previously used better protection. 70% did not understand the difference between UVA and UVB.
Conclusion: Although risks from sun exposure were widely recognized, sun-protection practice was inadequate. At-risk individuals had better knowledge and behavioral attitudes. This survey provides insight into the need for additional photoprotection education around the globe. Dermatologists could play a crucial role in relaying novel prevention messages, more finely tailored to specific risks, populations and areas of the world.
Declaraciones
¿Ha recibido algún tipo de financiamiento para realizar su investigación sobre esta temática?
Si
Por favor especifique las entidades (individuo, empresa, sociedad): I'm a La Roche-Posay employee. The study was funded by La Roche-Posay laboratoire
¿Ha recibido algún pago, honorario u otra compensación por su trabajo acerca de esta investigación?
Si
Por favor especifique las entidades (individuo, empresa, sociedad): I'm a La Roche-Posay employee. The study was funded by La Roche-Posay laboratoire
¿Tiene vínculos financieros con alguna entidad que podría llegar a competir estrechamente con los medicamentos, materiales o instrumentos tratados en su investigación?
Si
Por favor especifique las entidades (individuo, empresa, sociedad): I'm a La Roche-Posay employee. The study was funded by La Roche-Posay laboratoire
¿Posee o ha solicitado una patente relacionada a los materiales, productos o instrumentos utilizados en su investigación?
No
Este trabajo es presentado gracias al apoyo de: La Roche-Posay laboratoire