Consumer Knowledge of Proper Sunscreen Application

Abstract

Specific Aims: To determine what the general public understands about sunscreen and to see if specific groups need more targeted marketing and education about sunscreen. Methods: Questionnaires administered to eligible participants that rated the participants’ knowledge of general sun safety, sunscreen application, and FDA labeling on sunscreen products compared to demographic data. Demographic data were collected on age, gender, years resided in Arizona, whether participants has or known anyone with a history of skin cancer and ethnicity. Main Results: Questionnaires were completed by 62 participants. When comparing skin cancer versus no skin cancer using student’s t-test, there was no significant difference (P=0.09). When comparing gender versus total using student’s t-test, there was no significant difference (P=0.62). When comparing ethnicity versus total using ANOVA, F < Fcritical indicating there was no difference. When comparing age versus total using ANOVA, F < Fcritical indicating there was no difference. When comparing years residing in Arizona versus total using ANOVA, F < Fcritical indicating there was no difference. Conclusion: Consumer knowledge of general sun safety, sunscreen application, and FDA labeling on sunscreen products appears to have little to no difference between each demographic category.