The Evaluation of Attitudes toward Deleterious Effects of Sun-exposure and Behavioral Aspects of Using Sunscreens in Korea.
- Author:
Seok Beom PARK
1
;
Jai Il YOUN
;
Ki Ho KIM
;
Sang Tae KIM
;
Hoog Yong KIM
;
Seung Chul LEE
;
Sun Jin OH
;
Jin Jun KIM
;
Seh Hoon KANG
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Kosin Medical College.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Sun-exposure;
Sunscreen;
Skin type
- MeSH:
Female;
Humans;
Korea*;
Male;
Occupations;
Skin;
Solar System;
Sunlight;
Sunscreening Agents*
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
1999;37(6):726-732
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Although deleterious effects of sunlight have been increased recently, the surveillance of the attitudes toward sun-exposure and the behavioral aspect of using sunscreens in Koreans has hot been cammied out. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the attitude toward the harmfulness of sun-exposure and behaviors of using sunscreens in Korea. METHOD: Five hundred and fifty-two subjects were surveyed to assess the attitude toward sun-exposure, as well as the subjects' knowledge about, and the use of sunscreens. Underlying data including demographic data, skin colors, skin types, occupation, and sun-exposure, were obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of subjects believed that sun-exposure is bad for their skins, but, on the contrary, 12.5% believed it to be beneficial. Fifty-two percent of subjects used sunscreens. Almost all subjects(93.8%) knew why to use sunscreens but 62.7% of subjects did not know the meaning of sun protective factors(SPF). Women, indoor workers, subjects older than 40 yearsold, with less sun-exposed, fair colored skin, or with skin type I, II, III tended to know the deleterious effects of sunlight and the meaning of SPF and used more sunscreen. CONCLUSION: High risk population - men, outdoor workers, subjects less than 40 yearsold, with more sun-exposed, dark colored skin, or skin type VI, V could be targeted with campaigns that promote attitudinal and behavioral changes.
