Conocimientos y hábitos de exposición solar de la población chilena / Sun exposure behaviors and knowledge among Chileans
Rev. méd. Chile
; 133(6): 662-666, jun. 2005. ilus, tab
Article
in Spanish
| LILACS
| ID: lil-429120
Responsible library:
BR1.1
RESUMO
Background:
Ultraviolet light exposure has a pathogenic effect on the development of skin cancer, whose prevalence increases worldwide. In Chile and the rest of the world, preventive educational campaigns are carried out to change high risk sun exposure behaviors.Aim:
To study the behavior of the Chilean population towards skin cancer prevention and to identify erroneous preventive practices and concepts. Material andmethods:
A survey containing 17 questions about sun exposure behaviors, photoprotective measures and knowledge about ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer was used. It was applied during January and February 2004, to 1,143 subjects (mean age 30 years, 409 males), taking vacations in beach resorts in Chile.Results:
The hours of higher sun exposure ranged from 12 AM to 4 PM. Thirty seven percent of subjects were exposed more than 2 hours during this high risk lapse. Women and subjects aged less than 25 years were those with the riskiest behaviors. Fifty four percent used some type of photoprotection and 50% used ocular protection. Seventy percent used creams with sun screen and 74% used a sun protection factor higher than 15. Seventy percent applied the sun screen as recommended. Thirty eight percent had at least one sun burn in the last two years. More than 90% of subjects were aware of the relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer but 60% did not know the hours of higher ultraviolet radiation. The information about sun exposure was obtained from television in 57% of surveyed individuals.Conclusions:
More educational campaigns about the risk of sun exposure are needed to reduce risky behaviors in the Chilean population.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Health context:
SDG3 - Target 3.9 Reduce the amount of deaths produced by dangerous chemicals and the pollution of the air, water and soil
/
SDG3 - Health and Well-Being
Health problem:
Occupational Exposures
/
Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality due to noncommunicable diseases
Database:
LILACS
Main subject:
Skin Neoplasms
/
Sunburn
/
Ultraviolet Rays
/
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
/
Health Promotion
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Aged
/
Aged, 80 and over
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Chile
Language:
Spanish
Journal:
Rev. méd. Chile
Journal subject:
Medicine
Year:
2005
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Chile
Institution/Affiliation country:
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile/CL
/
Universidad de los Andes/CL