Prevalence of Sun-Protective Behaviors Among Medical Students: Insights from a Survey at the University of Texas Medical Branch

Introduction: Skin cancer encompasses almost half of the cancers diagnosed in the United States and the majority are caused by excessive sun exposure. Studies have found minimal sunscreen use among medical students and physicians despite understanding the importance of its use. This survey aims to evaluate the prevalence of sun-protective behaviors among the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) medical students. Methods: An anonymous survey assessed participants' demographic information, use of sun-protective measures, and weekly sun exposure from currently enrolled UTMB medical students. Results: Out of the 920 medical students currently enrolled at UTMB, surveys were completed by 171 medical students, 18.6% of the student population. Regarding sunscreen use, 119 students (69.6%) regularly apply sunscreen, and of those students, 68.9% apply sunscreen daily. The most common sunscreens used were between SPF 20-60, however, most respondents did not reapply sunscreen (63.9%). Most participants were outside for one-three hours without shade covering (59.6%), did not wear protective clothing (65.5%), and did not get sunburned in the previous week (97.1%). Discussion: Our results demonstrate increased sunscreen use among medical students compared to previously reported literature, however, most students did not wear sun-protective clothing or reapply sunscreen. Proper sun safety education in medical school has been shown to increase the likelihood of future sun-safety-related patient counseling. Addressing skin-protective measures in medical school can decrease the risk of skin cancer among medical students and their future patients. Future interventions can aim to educate medical students on sun safety.