Factors Associated with Non-Regular Use of Sunscreens in Southern Brazil

Introduction: The southern region of Brazil leads the statistics of skin cancer in Brazil, and multiple factors are related to this predisposition, such as low phototypes and excessive sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation is the main modifiable risk factor for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, and the regular use of sunscreens has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of developing these diseases, as well as other photomediated dermatoses. Despite this, the prevalence of non-regular use of sunscreens in cities in Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul proved to be above the desired level. In Santa Catarina cities, this prevalence was still undetermined. Objective: To identify the prevalence of non-use of sunscreen regularly and relate it to demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral and health variables. Method: A population-based cross-sectional study carried out in 2019 with individuals aged 18 years or older residing in the urban area of a large municipality in southern Brazil. Crude and adjusted analyzes were performed, using Poisson regression with a significance level of 5%, to assess the association between non-regular use of sunscreen and sociodemographic, behavioral and health variables. Results: 820 individuals were studied. The prevalence of not using sunscreen regularly was 52.8%. Factors associated with increased risk were: male sex (PR 1.57; 95%CI 1.39-1.77); smoking (PR 1.19; 95%CI 1.03-1.37); age, showing a direct linear trend; and schooling, showing an inverse linear trend. Having a supplementary health plan (PR 0.84; 95%CI 0.71-0.99) and walking during leisure time (PR 0.76; 95%CI 0.64-0.90) proved to be protective factors. Conclusion: This study allowed us to identify the profile of individuals at greater risk of not using sunscreen regularly and who, consequently, are at greater risk of developing photo-related skin diseases. It represents a potential benefit to public health insofar as it allows better targeting of prevention strategies.