Sunscreen education: an analysis of intergenerational sunscreen education and sociodemographic factors that shape sunscreen habits

Abstract Introduction: Sunscreen habits differ based on cultural perceptions, race, ethnicity, and access to healthcare. Our study aims to investigate intergenerational sunscreen education and the socioeconomic factors shaping sunscreen use patterns in a unique Miami population to identify how dermatologists can improve sunscreen compliance. Methods: We surveyed 132 participants, and responses were analyzed to investigate the relationships between sunscreen use habits, sociodemographic factors, and intergenerational sunscreen education. Results: Sunscreen users were more likely to educate their children about the importance of sunscreen compared to nonusers (p=0.0009), and 85% of respondents reported educating their children on the importance of sunscreen, while only 42% reported receiving this education from their parents. There was no significant relationship between participants receiving sunscreen education from parents and educating one's own children on the topic (p=0.692). Hispanic/Latino participants were more likely to receive sunscreen education from their parents compared to their non-Hispanic/Latino counterparts (X2 (1, N=132) = 8.19, p=0.004). Females showed more preference for tinted sunscreen compared to males (X2 (1, N=99) = 4.61, p=0.032). Younger participants were more likely to prefer tinted sunscreen (p=0.047) and to have received sunscreen education from their parents (p=0.019). Conclusion: Our study suggests sunscreen compliance in children may be more directly influenced by their parents’ modifiable sunscreen habits acquired in adulthood as opposed to whether sunscreen education was passed down through previous familial generations, presenting an opportunity for dermatologists to enhance sunscreen adherence in both patients and their children. We provide strategies for dermatologists to improve sunscreen compliance.