This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

CDC study shows sunscreen use is low, particularly among men

Regular sunscreen use on the face and other exposed areas was reported by about 30% of women and less than 15% of men, with sunscreen use particularly low among certain demographic groups, according to recently published study results.

Researchers with the CDC Division of Cancer Prevention and Control studied cross-sectional data from Porter Novelli’s 2013 Summer ConsumerStyles survey, which was completed by 4,033 adults aged 18 years or older. Characteristics associated with regular sunscreen use, which was classified as responses of “always” or “most of the time” when outside for at least an hour on a warm sunny day, were identified through calculated descriptive statistics and adjusted risk ratios.

Most of the survey participants were non-Hispanic white (67.4%) with an annual household income of $40,000 or more (66.8%). Regular use of sunscreen on the face was reported by 18.1% of men and 42.6% of women, on other exposed skin by 19.9% of men and 34.4% of women, and on both the face and other exposed skin by 14.3% of men and 29.9% of women.

A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 of higher was used by more than 80% of sunscreen users. Factors associated with regular sunscreen use included sun-sensitive skin, annual household income of at least $60,000 a year and survey respondents who met aerobic activity guidelines. Almost 40% of sunscreen users (37.6%, face; 38.6%, other exposed skin) reported being unsure if their sunscreen provided broad-spectrum protection.

A significantly less likelihood of regular sunscreen use to the face and other skin was observed among non-Hispanic black women when compared with non-Hispanic white women, according to the researchers.

The researchers concluded certain demographics — including men, non-Hispanic blacks and those with less sun-sensitive skin, as well as those with lower incomes — reported particularly low sunscreen use. Guidance on effective sue of sunscreen, as well as environmental supports such as shade in outdoor settings, could promote individual suns safety, the researchers wrote. – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.