• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.472-483
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• 2024

This study evaluated the attitudes of the Korean population towards sunscreen use through the Health Belief Model (HBM) construct and investigated the psychological factors that influence sunscreen use. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted from 1 November 2023 to 1 January 2024, and a total of 303 participants were collected. The collected data were analysed using SPSS v. 25.0 programme using Cronbach's 𝛼, frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, independent samples t-test, one way ANOVA, Scheffe's test, and multiple regression analysis. The results of the study showed that the mean score of sunscreen use was 3.26±1.384 out of 5, and there was a significant correlation between the variables of the health belief model and sunscreen use (p<.01). Gender, age, and skin colour were also associated with each variable, with women, the elderly, and those with lighter skin tending to be more proactive in sun protection. Multiple regression analyses revealed that self-efficacy (𝛽=.629, p<.001) and perceived vulnerability (𝛽=.139, p<.001), sub-factors of the Health Belief Model, had a statistically significant positive effect on sunscreen use, while perceived barriers (𝛽=-.261, p<.001) had a statistically significant negative effect on sunscreen use. These results may have important theoretical implications for the development and implementation of educational programmes to promote sunscreen use by providing insight into the psychosocial factors that influence sun protection.