Sun Safe in the City: Understanding Sunscreen Practices in Brooklyn, NY

Abstract

Background: Despite increased efforts to encourage sunscreen usage across all racial groups and all skin types, there remain many public misconceptions surrounding benefits/utilization of  sun-protection. 

Objective: To assess sunscreen usage among the attendees of a 2023 community fair within East Flatbush, NY relative to patient demographics. 

Methods: Respondents were asked to complete a survey designed to inform clinic education and patient outreach and provide demographic information (e.g., zip code, self-identified gender, age) and whether or not they use sunscreen. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel; categorical and continuous variables were analyzed via Chi-square and two-sample t-tests, respectively, with p < 0.05 denoting significance.

Results: Participants (n = 224) were mostly female (90%) and predominantly Fitzpatrick Score of 5 or 6 (71%). Younger individuals and individuals with lower Fitzpatrick scores were significantly more likely to report using sunscreen. 

Limitations: Cross-sectional survey study and small sample size.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that interventions to encourage young people and fair-skinned people to wear sunscreen have likely been successful, but there is a larger need now for more targeted education for individuals with skin of color, as well as older patients.