Fotoproteção em adolescentes portugueses

Sun protection in Portuguese adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of sunburns and the adoption of photoprotection measures in a sample of
Portuguese adolescents. Methods: Transversal analytical study conducted between April and May of 2010 by application
of an anonymous questionnaire answered by adolescents, between 11 to 18 years old, attending public school. Statistical
analysis: Chi-square test of independence (p<0.05). Results: 292 questionnaires were validated. 40% of adolescents
presented 1 or more sunburns in the previous summer. A higher frequency was associated to: group age 16 to 18 years old
(p=0.001), skin phototype i to iV (p=0.000), when "all/many friends become sun tanned" (p=0.005), feeling "healthier
when sun tanned" (p=0.013) and think that "it’s worth to burn to become sun tanned" (p=0.002). The regular use of light
protective clothes (p=0.002) and the search for a shadow (p=0.015) were associated to a lower frequency of sunburn and
no statistical relation was verifi ed with the use of sunscreen (p=0.197). The regular use of light protective clothes was the
photoprotection measure more referred (63%). About 50% of adolescents used sunscreen on regular basis, but only 16%
correctly. None of the photoprotection measures adopted were related to the skin phototype (p>0.05). Conclusion: About
40% of adolescents had at least 1 sunburn in the previous summer, with higher frequency in the group 16 to 18 years old
(61%). There was a reduction on the regular use of photoprotection measures with increasing age. It is evident in the
behavior and attitudes of the adolescents their peer infl uence and preference towards a sun tan.