Public sunscreen dispensers on college campuses: a promising but understudied public health intervention.

Objective

To examine the potential role of public sunscreen dispensers in promoting photoprotective behaviors among college students and identify gaps in the evidence regarding their ability to influence sunscreen use and reduce sunburn incidence.

Participants

College students and young adults, with consideration of studies examining sunscreen dispenser use among university and public outdoor populations.

Methods

A narrative review of existing literature examining sunscreen use among young adults, barriers to photoprotective behavior, and the use of publicly accessible sunscreen dispensers. Evidence regarding dispenser awareness, utilization, acceptability, and potential behavioral impact was examined.

Results

Existing research suggests that free sunscreen dispensers are feasible and generally well received. One university-based study found that 22.7% of participants had used a free sunscreen dispenser, with limited visibility, reliance on personal sunscreen, and concerns about product texture identified as barriers. Another study found that 17.4% of observed individuals used free sunscreen dispensers, with utilization increasing on sunny days and in locations associated with prolonged outdoor exposure. However, it remains unclear whether dispensers increase sunscreen use among individuals who would otherwise forgo photoprotection or lead to sustained behavioral change.

Conclusion

Public sunscreen dispensers may provide a convenient, visible, and scalable approach to promoting photoprotective behavior. Further research should evaluate sunscreen adherence, sunburn incidence, long-term behavior change, and cost-effectiveness.