CORRELATES OF SUN PROTECTION BEHAVIORS AMONG ADULTS IN PUERTO RICO

Background The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing in Puerto Rico in recent years. Sun protection behaviors are suboptimal among Puerto Ricans. However, there are limited data regarding major factors associated with Puerto Rican adults’ sun protection behaviors. To examine factors associated with Puerto Rican adults’ sun protection behaviors, a survey study was conducted in Puerto Rico. Method A population-based sample of 667 Puerto Rican adults completed a telephone survey in 2016. Survey items addressed potential correlates of sun protection behaviors. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examining correlates of the sun protection behaviors index were conducted. Results Higher levels of sun protection behaviors were found among English language acculturated compared to Spanish language acculturated individuals ( p < .05) and among individuals with private versus no health insurance ( p < .05). Higher levels of sun protection behaviors were found among individuals with greater skin cancer knowledge ( p < .001), fewer sun protection barriers ( p < .01), and greater sun protection self-efficacy ( p < .001). Conclusion By identifying correlates of Puerto Rican adults’ sun protection behaviors, this timely study provides insight on factors to target in future skin cancer interventions in this understudied population.