The National Health Interview Survey was used from the years 2005, 2010, and 2015 to provide data for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations. Almost all Hispanic nationalities differed from non-Hispanic white individuals in their sun-protective practices. Additionally, Central/South Americans and Cuban individuals were the least likely to practice sun avoidance.
Clinical Pearls
This study aimed to better understand skin cancer preventive strategies within various Hispanic populations.
The National Health Interview Survey was used from the years 2005, 2010, and 2015 to provide data for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations. Almost all Hispanic nationalities differed from non-Hispanic white individuals in their sun-protective practices. Additionally, Central/South Americans and Cuban individuals were the least likely to practice sun avoidance.
Acculturation in the United States was associated with both increased sun-protective behaviors (ie, using sunscreen) and risky behaviors (ie, sunburning).
Discussion:
This research letter published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology sought to investigate the difference in sun protective behaviors and exposure habits in a variety of Hispanic nationalities while also performing secondary analyses involving age and acculturation. The National Health Interview Survey from the years 2005, 2010, and 2015 were used with outcomes measured including use of sun avoidance, use of sunscreen, use of protective clothing, past-year indoor tanning, and sunburn. Acculturation was also estimated using years lived in the United States and languages spoken. Data was also collected from non-Hispanic white individuals in this study. The Hispanic nationalities included in this study were: Mexican, Central/South American, Cuban, Dominican, Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, and Other Hispanic.
Following statistical analysis, the authors found that almost all Hispanic nationalities differed from non-Hispanic white individuals in their sun-protective practices. When all Hispanic nationalities were compared to the most populous one (Mexican individuals), Central/South Americans and Cuban individuals were the least likely to practice sun avoidance. Mexican-American and Other Hispanic individuals were more likely to sunburn and tan indoors. The study also found that habits differed by age. For instance, Cuban individuals were less likely to sunburn in ages 18-39 and above 60 years old when compared to Cuban individuals ages 40-59 years.
This study found unique differences in sun protective strategies within many Hispanic nationalities which will impact their risk for skin cancer. Interestingly, this study also found acculturation within the United States is associated with increased sun protective practices (ie, using sunscreen) as well as practices which can increase one’s risk for skin cancer (ie, sunburn).
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