Determinants of self-reported sun protection practices among Moroccan population.

PURPOSE

To estimate the prevalence of sunlight exposure and sun protection behaviors and to identify the main determinants of sun protection in a representative sample of the Moroccan population.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey was carried out during May 2008 among Moroccan adults aged 18 and over, using stratified cluster sampling in origin and sex.

RESULTS

A total of 2896 subjects were included. More than half (52.1%) of the participants were regularly exposed to the sun during midday hours (11-16 h) for more than 2h per day. Among those exposed to the sun during midday hours, 16.4% didn't use any means of protection. The subjects who were more protected were women (odds ratio=0.47, 95% confidence interval=[0.35-0.64]), rural residents (odds ratio=2.33, 95% confidence interval=[1.97-2.77]) and worker subjects and students (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This survey has highlighted a high prevalence of sun exposure in the Moroccan population with few protection practices. It is therefore important to promote sun protection in order to maintain the incidence rate of skin cancer at its lower level.