Sun protection among Spanish beachgoers: knowledge, attitude and behaviour

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dermatology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Sun exposure poses significant health risks, including sunburn and skin cancer.
• Understanding public awareness, attitudes, and behaviors regarding sun protection is crucial for effective health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sun exposure risk awareness, attitudes, and behaviors among Spanish beachgoers.
• To identify factors influencing sun protection practices using the Health Belief Model.

Main Methods:

• A structured interview questionnaire was administered to 630 sunbathers in Valencia, Spain.
• Data collected included demographics, knowledge, attitudes, sun sensitivity, exposure, and protection habits.
• Multivariate analysis and the Health Belief Model were employed to analyze influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Despite high sunscreen use (80%), current sun protection recommendations were not consistently followed, with 70% reporting sunburn history.
• Female gender, younger age, fair skin characteristics, and consistent sunscreen/sunglasses use were associated with a history of sunburn.
• Higher awareness was linked to age, education, and proper sunscreen application timing; favorable attitudes correlated with education and hat use.

Conclusions:

• Spanish beachgoers exhibit high knowledge and fair attitudes towards sun protection, but misconceptions about sunscreen efficacy and the desire for tanned skin persist.
• Physical and motivational barriers (80%) hinder adherence to sun-safe behaviors.
• Interventions should address constitutional and psychosocial factors to improve sun protection practices in this population.