Use of sunscreen in patients attending dermatological consultations in Lagarto, Sergipe

Abstract

Skin cancer is the most common neoplasm in Brazil, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation being the predominant carcinogen, and its effects influenced by geographic region, sun exposure, sun protection, and skin phototype. Topical sunscreens are products containing substances that interfere with the skin's absorption of energy from UV radiation. However, according to an estimate from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, about 63% of people expose themselves to the sun without any form of protection. The literature presents few studies that assess the epidemiological profile of sunscreen use in Brazil, particularly in the North and Northeast regions, which experience the highest accumulated doses of UV radiation in the country, thus highlighting the demand for research on this topic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between sunscreen use and epidemiological and dermatological variables in patients treated at a dermatology outpatient clinic, as well as to describe the baseline characteristics of the patients. This was an analytical, observational, cross-sectional study, with data collected through an interview using a tool designed to assess clinical and epidemiological aspects of photoprotection, among patients at the dermatology outpatient clinic at the Medical Specialties Center of Lagarto. The sample consisted of 314 individuals. Bivariate analysis revealed a positive association with education level and prior guidance on photoprotection, and a negative association with male sex, moderate to high skin phototype, and sun exposure of 3 or more hours daily. Multivariate regression showed sex, education level, skin phototype, and prior guidance as independent variables. An independent association was observed between sex, education level, skin phototype, and prior guidance on photoprotection with sunscreen use.