Condições Epidemiológicas e Fotoproteção: impactos do perfil sociodemográfico no caráter de exposição solar em pacientes dermatológicos do município de Lagarto, Sergipe.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The absorption of ultraviolet radiation (UV) in epidermal cells leads to the formation of reactiveproducts, DNA damage, and cell divisions, being considered the main risk factor in the processes of photoaging and skincarcinogenesis. Sociocultural and environmental factors in the Northeast Brazil, a region with a high incidence of UV radiation, are relevant to the analysis of outcomes of skin conditionsgenerated or exacerbated by solar radiation in its populations. In the current literature, there is a Few studies about the direct impact of epidemiological conditions on dermatological pathologies related of sun exposure. So, it's importante know in depth about this to the application of preventive and healthpromotion measures for the target audience's reality. OBJECTIVES: Analyze the sociodemographic profile of patients attended at the Dermatology outpatient clinic in Lagarto, Sergipe, correlating the level of sun exposure with the professional activity they engage in. METHODOLOGY: Analytical observational study, cross sectional, with data collected through interviews using a questionnaire about clinical and epidemiological aspects of sunexposure and photoprotection in dermatological patients at the Centro de Especalidades Médicas, Lagarto - SE. RESULTS: A total of 316 participants were included, the majority being women (78%), aged between 18 and 60 years (83%), and literate (92%). Occupational activities were grouped under the variable "Occupation." The reason for sun exposure among professions was work itself (p = 0.0001), with a positive association with the number of hours per day. "Farmers" had the highest absolute and relative frequency of reporting sun exposure for 9 or more hours per day, 7 days a week (30%), and showed greater use of protective accessories compared to sunscreen. CONCLUSION: The impact of the socioeconomic context on the nature of sun exposure was assessed, identifying the occupational risk for outdoor workers due to the excessive exposure frequency in hours per day and per week, as well as their economic vulnerability in adhering to complete photoprotection.