Acculturation Of Latinos Influences Sun-safe Behaviors

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 16 Jan 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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A new study finds that sun safety behaviors may be negatively influenced among Latinos after acculturation in the United States.

Researchers analyzed data from 496 Latino respondents to the 2005 Health National Information Trends Survey. The average age of the sample was 41.3 years. Researchers discovered that acculturation was negatively associated with use of shade and protective clothing and positively associated with sunscreen use.

"Acculturation has a largely adverse effect on Latinos' skin cancer-risk-related behaviors. Appropriate interventions with this population could improve engagement in sun safety as well as knowledge about skin cancer signs and symptoms and could result in decreased rates of advanced melanoma," claimed the study's authors.

"Acculturation and Sun-Safe Behaviors Among U.S. Latinos: Findings from the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey"
Valentina A. Andreeva, PhD, Institute for Prevention Research, University of Southern California
American Journal of Public Health

The American Journal of Public Health is the monthly Journal of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world. APHA is a leading publisher of books and periodicals promoting sound scientific standards, action programs and public policy to enhance health. More information is available at http://www.apha.org.

American Public Health Association

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