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Introduction: Lifestyle-associated exposure to natural and artificial Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a causative factor for acute and chronic skin damage. Therefore, the availability of target group-specific information material on skin health promotion and disease prevention is a relevant Public (Skin) Health issue. Methods: Information material (n=21) on sun-related health aspects freely available in Austria and provided by health care providers, sunscreen producers, and indoor tanning parlors was compared using an iterative, 16-point screening tool. Results: We report on heterogeneous strategies in health (risk) communication regarding amount of communicated information regarding (1) educative content (p=0.045), (2) sun protection (p=0.002), and (3) skin health (p=0.004). Material from health care providers and sunscreen producers focused on the disadvantages of sun light and suggested preventive measures (p=0.001). In contrast, indoor tanning parlors predominantly used stimulating pictures (p=0.004) and positive arguments to solicit sun bathing (p=0.001). Conclusions: Public (Skin) Health campaigns and information materials could serve as a useful tool to increase public awareness regarding the hazards of exposure to sunlight. New strategies for skin health promotion could involve presenting standardized illustration and highlighting the benefits of UV light avoidance on appearance rather than provoking anxiety or psychological reactance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual skin health attitudes are influenced by various factors, including public education campaigns, mass media, family, and friends. Evidence-based, educative information materials assist communication and decision-making in doctor-patient interactions. The present study aims at assessing the prevailing use of skin health information material and sources and their impact on skin health knowledge, motives to tan, and sun protection. We conducted a questionnaire survey among a representative sample of Austrian residents. Print media and television were perceived as the two most relevant sources for skin health information, whereas the source physician was ranked third. Picking the information source physician increased participants' skin health knowledge (p = 0.025) and sun-protective behavior (p < 0.001). The study results highlight the demand for targeted health messages to attain lifestyle changes towards photo-protective habits. Providing resources that encourage pro-active counseling in every-day doctor-patient communication could increase skin health knowledge and sun-protective behavior, and thus, curb the rise in skin cancer incidence rates.