Tatliparmak Asli
Department of Dermatology, Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, Istanbul, TUR.
Department of Dermatology, Uskudar University, Istanbul, TUR.
Cureus. 2025 May 25;17(5):e84783. doi: 10.7759/cureus.84783. eCollection 2025 May.
Background Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a leading environmental cause of photoaging and skin cancer. Despite widespread public health recommendations, sunscreen use remains inconsistent in many populations. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 200 adults at a dermatology outpatient clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. The Turkish-language questionnaire assessed sunscreen habits, beliefs, UV risk awareness, and complementary sun protection behaviors. Behavioral profiles and predictors of use were analyzed using multivariate methods. Results Sunscreen use was reported by 72.5% of participants, but only 27.0% used it daily and 27.5% never used it. Most applied it only in the morning (51.5%), and 23.0% reported reapplication. Full awareness of sun damage and belief in sunscreen's cancer prevention were low (23.5% and 18.0%, respectively). The mean adherence score was 3.0/5. Common alternative protections included sunglasses (60.0%) and hats (46.0%). Non-use was mainly due to forgetfulness, perceived lack of need, and cost. Clustering revealed three behavior profiles; one group showed high awareness and consistent use. A machine learning model explained 2.5% of adherence variance; key predictors were age, cancer prevention motivation, and hat use. Conclusion Sunscreen behavior in this outpatient sample revealed inconsistencies between self-reported use and recommended practices. The findings highlight the need for further research and targeted public health strategies to improve awareness and application habits.
紫外线（UV）辐射是光老化和皮肤癌的主要环境诱因。尽管有广泛的公共卫生建议，但许多人群中防晒霜的使用情况仍不一致。方法：我们在土耳其伊斯坦布尔的一家皮肤科门诊对200名成年人进行了横断面调查。这份土耳其语问卷评估了防晒霜使用习惯、信念、紫外线风险意识以及补充性防晒行为。使用多变量方法分析了使用行为特征和预测因素。结果：72.5%的参与者报告使用过防晒霜，但只有27.0%的人每天使用，27.5%的人从未使用过。大多数人只在早上涂抹（51.5%），23.0%的人报告有补涂。对阳光伤害的充分认识和对防晒霜预防癌症作用的信念较低（分别为23.5%和18.0%）。平均依从性得分为3.0/5。常见的替代防护措施包括太阳镜（60.0%）和帽子（46.0%）。不使用主要是由于遗忘、认为没有必要以及成本问题。聚类分析揭示了三种行为模式；一组表现出高意识和持续使用。一个机器学习模型解释了2.5%的依从性差异；关键预测因素是年龄、预防癌症的动机和帽子的使用。结论：这个门诊样本中的防晒霜使用行为显示出自我报告的使用情况与推荐做法之间存在不一致。研究结果强调需要进一步研究和有针对性的公共卫生策略，以提高认识和应用习惯。
