Exposure and sun protection practices in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Adequate sun exposure brings numerous health benefits. However, unprotected sun exposure is harmful to the skin and can cause severe damage, such as cancer. Skin cancer is a public health problem, despite its main risk factor being modifiable. The aim of this study was to characterize the exposure and sun protection habits of Ouro Preto inhabitants, Minas Gerais. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory and quantitative study. Data were collected through the application of questionnaires, during the 2018 and 2019 Photoeducation Campaigns. The association between gender and the variables of exposure and sun protection habits was measured using Pearson’s Chi-Square Test and Fisher’s Exact Test. For the variables use of sunscreen and adoption of physical measures, which showed a significant association with gender (p<0.05), the prevalence ratio was calculated. The sample consisted of 339 people, most of whom were female (61.1%), aged between 18 and 44 years (62.8%), brown skin color self-declared (39.2%). Regarding sun exposure and protection habits, 55.2% reported sun exposure at critical hours, 57.1% adopted physical protection and only 29.8% used sunscreen daily. The prevalence of sunscreen use was 3.8 times higher among females; on the other hand, the prevalence of the use of physical protection was 30% lower. Most respondents (94.9%) knew the relationship between sun and skin cancer. These findings reinforce the need to adopt health education strategies.