Sun protection and sun exposure habits among tattooed individuals

Abstract

Abstract Background Little is known about sun‐exposure and sun‐protection behaviors among tattooed individuals. Objectives This study sought to investigate the sun‐exposure and sun‐protective habits among tattooed individuals. Methods Population‐based study using a representative sample of the general population aged ≥18 years from four countries (Brazil, China, Russia and United‐States). All participants were asked to fill in a digital structured questionnaire. We inquired about socio‐demographics, self‐evaluation of their skin phototype (from I to VI), tattoo(s) and sun‐exposure and sun‐protection habits. Results A total of 9031 adult participants responded to the questionnaire of whom 1682 (18.6%) had ≥ 1 tattoo(s). The prevalence of tattoos was significantly higher among individuals with lighter skin tone (phototype I to III, 20.2%) compared to those with darker one (phototype IV to VI, 13.9%, p<0.001). Almost 20% percent of the tattooed individuals acknowledged heavy lifestyle sun‐exposure compared to 11% of those without tattoos (p<0.001). Multinomial analyses showed that Brazilians and those having ≥ 1 tattoo were more likely to have intermediate and intense lifestyle sun‐exposure. Tattooed individuals were more likely to report that they used regular or occasional sun‐protection methods than non‐tattooed individuals (p < 0.001 and 0.016 respectively). Multinomial analyses for regular sun‐protection methods showed significant association with respondents from Brazil and those having one tattoo, but not more than one tattoo. Limitations include mainly that this is a questionnaire‐based study and and we lack of questions about sunburns and skin cancers. Conclusions This large population‐based study shows that tattooed individuals do have a heavily sun‐exposed lifestyle but, at the same time, display sun‐protection habits.

Keywords

• outdoor
• sun
• sun protection
• sunscreen
• tattoo