Sun protection practices in India: Preliminary findings from a nationally representative sample

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dermatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Sun safety research is predominantly Western-centric, leaving a knowledge gap regarding sun protection practices in India.
• Understanding sun safe behaviors in diverse populations is crucial for global health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of sun protection practices within the Indian population.
• To investigate the demographic factors associated with sun safe behaviors in India.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted on a representative sample (N=1560) of the Indian population in November 2022.
• Descriptive and regression analyses, with poststratification weighting, were used to analyze sun safe behaviors, sunburn history, demographics, and skin tone.

Main Results:

• Over 64% of participants routinely engaged in at least one sun safe behavior; only 4.9% reported no engagement in the past year.
• Physical protection methods (e.g., clothing, shade) were more prevalent than sunscreen use.
• Higher subjective social status, younger age, and residence in Eastern Indian states were significant predictors of sun protection.

Conclusions:

• This study addresses a critical gap in global sun safety research by providing insights into Indian sun protection practices.
• There is a pressing need for public health campaigns and targeted interventions to enhance sun safety awareness and practices across India.