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Journal of Public Health

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01-04-2021 | Original Article

Sun exposure and sun protective behaviours in Portugal: results from the first National Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)

Authors: Marta Barreto, Irina Kislaya, Ana J. Santos, Sónia Namorado, Joana Santos, Baltazar Nunes, Carlos M. Dias

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Sunlight exposure is responsible for a large number of dermatological diseases. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hazardous sun exposure and adherence to sun protective behaviours and its associated factors in adults from the Portuguese population.

Methods

A total of 4,797 participants aged between 25 and 74 years old answered the sun exposure module of the National Health Examination Survey questionnaire, which was performed in 2015. Hazardous sun exposure and sun protective behaviours were assessed for a typical summer day during leisure time. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression were used to examine associations between hazardous sun exposure and adherence to sun protective behaviours with population characteristics.

Results

Among the 4,797 participants, prevalence of hazardous sun exposure was 76.4 and 67.4% among men and women, respectively. It was mainly associated with younger age, lower education level and practice of regular physical activity. The prevalence of nonadherence to sun protective behaviours was 38.6 and 22.3%, among men and women, respectively. Education and income were inversely associated with adherence to sun protective behaviours. Individuals residing in regions displaying higher UV indexes had higher prevalence of sun protective practices.

Conclusions

The prevalence of hazardous sun exposure and nonadherence to sun protective behaviours is considerable in the Portuguese population. The association between these indicators and sociodemographic factors in the population, reinforces the importance of developing sun protection messages directed at specific target audiences.

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Title: Sun exposure and sun protective behaviours in Portugal: results from the first National Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)
Authors: Marta Barreto
Irina Kislaya
Ana J. Santos
Sónia Namorado
Joana Santos
Baltazar Nunes
Carlos M. Dias
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-019-01133-w

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Springer Medicine

Sun exposure and sun protective behaviours in Portugal: results from the first National Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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