Sunscreen use is important for the prevention of skin cancer, but population-based information about its prevalence and associated factors are scarce in Brazil.

We sought to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors with sunscreen use among Brazilian adults.

We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study with a representative sample of adults aged 20 years or older living in the urban area of the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. We evaluated sunscreen use at the beach, at work, and during outdoor sports, for at least 20 minutes between 10 am and 4 Pm, from December 2004 to March 2005. The outcome measure was dichotomized in individuals who never used sunscreen, and those who used sunscreen, regardless of frequency.

Prevalence of sunscreen use at the beach, work, and outdoor sports was 60.8% (95% confidence interval 55.6-66.0), 13.7% (95% confidence interval 10.7-16.6%), and 30.2% (95% confidence interval 24.1-36.3), respectively. At work, the median number of days of exposure was 70 days, whereas at the beach it was 10, and for sports it was 16. Women, whites, those with higher educational achievement, and those with higher income were more likely to use sunscreen.

No data on adequacy of sunscreen use were gathered.

Our data show that the individuals most exposed to sunlight are those who use sunscreen the least. Interventions targeting this group are required, because this is also the population with the lowest socioeconomic level.