Queimadura solar e fatores associados a sua ocorrência: um estudo de base populacional na cidade de Pelotas, RS.

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of sunburn and its risk factors among subjects aged between 10 and 29 years in urban area of Pelotas, a Southern Brazilian city. Methods: a cross-sectional population based study, using a multiple stage sampling, was carried out between October and December of 2005. Sunburn was defined as burning of the skin after sun exposure. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions and Poisson regression with design effect and robust adjustment of variance was applied in the multivariate analysis. Results: a total of 1597 household were visited and 1604 individuals aged between 10 and 29 years were interviewed, of which 1412 reported that had been exposed to the sun in the previous summer. Among those exposed to the sun, 48.7% reported sunburn in the previous year. The following variables were associated with sunburning in the multivariate analysis: white skin (RP 1,41 CI 95% 1,12-1,79), higher sensitivity of the skin to the sun (RP 1,84 CI 95% 1,64-2,06), age between 15 and 19 years (RP 1,30 CI 95% 1,12-1,50), to belong to the higher quartile of income (RP 1,20 CI 95% 1,01-1,42) and to make irregular use of sunscreen (RP 1,23 CI 95% 1,08-1,42). Conclusion: the prevalence of sunburn was high, and exposure to the sun in safe schedules and with adequate methods of protection must be stimulated.