Background. Rising skin cancer rates indicate a need for sun protection measures. While sunscreen is a widely accepted preventive strategy, its use faces barriers such as availability and pricing. To mitigate these barriers and enhance sun protection behaviours, dispensers containing free sunscreen have recently been introduced in public places in the Netherlands. However, their use among the Dutch population remains underexplored. Hence, this study provides insights into the (non-)use of free sunscreen dispensers and motives for (non-)use in public places in the Netherlands.
Methods. A mixed method study design combines observational and qualitative research methods to examine individuals’ (non-)use and motives for (non-)use of sunscreen dispensers in diverse public places in the Netherlands, by use of a standardised observation form and interview questionnaire.
Results. Preliminary results showed that the minority of individuals used the dispensers. In the hospital setting, 1.7% of observed individuals were users. Their primary reasons for use were sunburn prevention, sun preparedness and forgetting own sunscreen. Reasons for non-use were limited visibility and understanding usage of the dispenser, and prior sunscreen application. Moreover, sunscreen dispenser use was positively associated with overall individual sun protection behaviour. Further results on sunscreen dispensers at other locations are forthcoming.
Conclusion. The current findings are the first insights into sunscreen dispenser use in the Netherlands. They underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to integrate sunscreen dispensers and interact with broader sun protection initiatives. Accordingly, it informs intervention implementation plans to optimise sun safety practices in the Netherlands.