Attitudes, Behaviors and Beliefs of Urban Adult Filipinos on Sunlight Exposure: A Qualitative Study

To explore the attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs of urban adult Filipinos on sunlight exposure as an initial step in the development and validation of a culturally-appropriate questionnaire. Focus groups were conducted among urban Filipinos 19 years old and above (n=38). The transcribed results underwent qualitative content and thematic analyses and were used to develop a conceptual framework. Qualitative analysis revealed four main themes of sunlight exposure: internal influences, external influences, perceived benefits, and perceived risks. Both internal and external influences lead to perceived risks and benefits. Consequently, the perceived benefits (or lack) of sunlight exposure influence an individual's attitude towards vitamin D supplementation; whereas the perceived risks of sunlight exposure influence an individual's attitude towards the need for sun protection. The attitudes, behaviors and beliefs of urban adult Filipinos on sunlight exposure are influenced by both internal and external factors, that in turn lead to perceived risks and benefits. An increased awareness of these factors is necessary to establish future recommendations on proper sunlight exposure in this population. The study results will be used to develop and validate a culturally-appropriate sunlight exposure questionnaire.