Sun-protection behaviors among African Americans.
Pichon, L.C., Corral, I., Landrine, H., Mayer, J.A., & Norman, G.J. (2010). Sun-protection behaviors among African Americans. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 38(3), 288-295.
Background: Data suggest that the prevalence of sun-protection behaviors is low (44%) among African Americans; the samples in such studies, however, tended to be small or nonrepresentative.
Purpose: This article aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of sun-protection behaviors among a large, random, statewide sample of African-American adults living in California to ascertain behavioral patterns and highlight directions for targeted interventions.
Methods: From September 2006 through May 2008, an anonymous health survey collected data on sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brim hat use among a random sample of 2187 African-American adults, and assessed demographic, regional, skin type, and other potential correlates of these behaviors. The analysis was conducted in 2009.
Results: Only 31% engaged in at least one sun-protection behavior; of the three behaviors, sun- screen use was the least prevalent, with 63% never using sunscreen. Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that gender, SES, and skin type were significant predictors of sun-protection behaviors.
Conclusions: Tailored interventions to increase sun-protection behaviors among African Americans (men in particular) are needed.
