Sunscreen Use Barriers in White U.S. Adults: Gender, Generation, and Skin Phototype Differences

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Skin cancer disproportionately affects White individuals, with high lifetime risk and mortality.
• Despite known risks of UV exposure, regular sunscreen use remains low in the U.S.
• Limited research exists on U.S. sunscreen use barriers, particularly across diverse demographic subgroups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze perceived barriers to sunscreen use among White U.S. adults.
• To explore demographic associations with reported barriers to sunscreen application.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey of 739 White U.S. adults was conducted.
• Participants identified all personally relevant barriers and then their primary barrier.
• Multivariable logistic regression analyzed demographic associations with barrier endorsement.

Main Results:

• Over 20% reported no barriers; common barriers included forgetting sunscreen (52.1%), dislike of feel/smell (24.2%), cost (21.7%), and inconvenience (20.3%).
• Younger adults reported more barriers than older adults, with generational differences in forgetfulness, inconvenience, product selection, and tanning preference.
• Men were less likely than women to prefer tanning; skin phototype, marital status, education, and income also influenced barrier perception.

Conclusions:

• Audience-segmented strategies are crucial for improving sunscreen use, considering gender, generation, skin phototype, and socioeconomic factors.
• Individual strategies involve integrating sunscreen into routines and using reminders for application and reapplication.
• Multilevel interventions addressing tanning norms, product acceptability, selection guidance, and cost are needed for sustained use.