Knowledge, motivation, and behavior patterns of the general public towards sun protection

Abstract

The general public has long been educated about the harms of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and the benefits of photoprotection. Many organizations have worked in close collaboration to deliver the photoprotection message through a variety of programs. Most address the health-related consequences of UV radiation, although appearance-based strategies have also been initiated. As is common with preventative health measures, these intervention efforts have not resulted in meaningful changes in public behavior despite providing seemingly adequate knowledge to do so. Behaviors are often difficult to change on a societal, personal, and biological level. Within these categories, there are unique reasons for the unsatisfactory outcome with photoprotection such as (1) tan is perceived as beautiful, (2) the knowledge conveyed is often superficial, (3) there is a lack of immediate risk/reward, and (4) UV has reinforcing effects on mood. We propose that better results could be achieved by creating interventions focused on demographic subsets of the population. Specific techniques include anti-tanning legislature, age or gender-based screening campaigns, anti-tan beauty campaigns, and UV photography. Future photoprotection messages should shift from purely promoting knowledge to inspiring improvements in behavior with targeted strategies.

A new hair follicle-derived human epidermal model for the evaluation of sunscreen genoprotection

“…As a consequence, the incidence of skin cancers, including melanoma and carcinomas, is in constant increase since the last three decades. The use of sunscreens appears as an appropriate photoprotection strategy because it reduces the UV dose reaching both the dermis and epidermis, and thereby limits the onset of the biological and biochemical processes leading to pathological conditions [3]. A wide variety of photoprotection products is available on the market.…”

The Impact of Parental Knowledge and Tanning Attitudes on Sun Protection Practice for Young Children in Germany

“…However, many more recent studies in other areas of the world suggested that such success may be incomplete, i.e. , changes in protective behavior had not been fully mirrored the improvement in knowledge [17,18,19,20]. …”

Photoprotection in immunocompetent and immunocompromised people

“…Based on improvements in sun protection and covering up, it has been suggested that children respond best to educational and policy approaches in primary schools. 66 The European Skin Cancer Foundation (http://www.escf-network.eu) and supporting partners have successfully implemented a project aiming at the certification of child day-care centres for their efforts in children's sun-protection activities. The main objectives of the 'SunPass' project are (i) to reduce UV exposure in children, (ii) to raise the awareness of caregivers and parents, and (ii) to reduce skin cancer incidence in the long term.…”