UC Irvine

Objective

We sought to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on sun-seeking and sun-safe behaviors.

Methods

We conducted an online, cross-sectional, population-based survey.

Results

In total, 1,001 respondents participated in the survey and reported being exposed to 12 or more hours of sunlight (i.e., direct and indirect ultraviolet light, and blue light) each day. Participants self-reported a net increase in all types of light exposure since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to blue light (+38%). Notably, while the effects of direct sunlight were well known among survey respondents, they were less aware of the potential damaging impact of indirect sunlight and blue light.

Limitations

As the survey was only conducted among residents of the United States, results might not be generalizable to all geographical regions.

Conclusion

Social outreach strategies are required to improve sun-safe behaviors. Future behavioral interventions should encourage the implementation of broad-spectrum sun protection.