Sunscreen use and adherence to traditional masculinity ideologies among young adult males: a cross-sectional study

Males are less likely to routinely use sunscreen than females across settings. This study aimed to examine the association between adherence to traditional masculinity ideologies on sunscreen use among young adult males. A cross-sectional study was conducted among male university students in Palestine. Data were collected via the validated Male Role Norms Inventory-Short Form (MRNI-SF), with responses made on a 7-point Likert scale. The mean age of the 485 participants was 20.2 years, of whom only 18.8% reported routine sunscreen use. In multivariate analysis, lower odds of routine daily sunscreen use were associated with greater adherence to traditional masculinity norms (aOR = 0.53, 95%-CI 0.41-0.69), and higher scores on toughness (aOR = 0.76, CI = 0.62-0.92); avoidance of femininity (OR = 0.81, CI = 0.69-0.96); restrictive emotionality (aOR = 0.64, CI = 0.54-0.77); and dominance (aOR = 0.66, CI = 0.57-0.76). However, self-reliance through mechanical skills and importance of sex were not statistically significant. To reduce gender disparities in sun protection, sunscreen marketing should follow inclusive, gender-conscious approaches. Moreover, social media should encourage male participation and reframe sunscreen as a practical, healthy tool rather than a beauty item. The single-site design and overrepresentation of health-science students limit generalizability.