Skin phototype and selected sociodemographic factors and their correlation with health behaviours connected with melanoma prevention strategies

Aim of the study
To assess the correlation between skin phototypes and selected sociodemographic factors and health behaviours connected with skin cancer prevention.

Material and methods
The study was conducted in a group of 267 patients. It was carried out with the application of a diagnostic survey method. The research technique was a survey and the research tool was a questionnaire designed by the authors.

Results
The study showed a correlation between skin phototype and following the rules of skin cancer prevention (p < 0.001): people with skin phototype I, characterised by pale white skin, were more likely to apply sun protection rules. The percentage of respondents with a higher level of health behaviours increased with the respondents’ age (p < 0.001). The higher the respondents’ education, the higher the percent-age of them who took proper melanoma precautions (p < 0.005). The level of health behaviours was also higher in people who had been diagnosed with melanoma or had been treated for skin cancer in the past or whose family member or friend suffered from this type of cancer (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Respondents with a phototype characterised by fair complexion were more likely to follow skin cancer prevention rules. The intensity of health behaviours aimed at cancer prevention increased with the respondents’ age and level of education. Both melanoma diagnosis and the incidence of skin cancer in respondents’ family or friends led to a higher level of their health behaviours.