The association between demographic and behavioral characteristics and sunburn among U.S. adults — National Health Interview Survey, 2010

•We examine associations between demographic and behavioral factors and sunburn.•Sunburn is common among U.S. adults, especially among younger adults.•Sunburn was associated with physical activity, alcohol consumption, and BMI.•Targeted efforts are needed to reduce sunburn among different demographic groups.

ObjectiveTo examine the association between demographic and behavioral characteristics and sunburn among U.S. adults.MethodWe used 2010 National Health Interview Survey data (N = 24,970) to conduct multivariable logistic regressions examining associations with having 1 or more sunburns in the past year and having 4 or more sunburns in the past year.ResultsOverall, 37.1% of adults experienced sunburn in the past year. The adjusted prevalence of sunburn was particularly common among adults aged 18–29 years (52.0%), those who repeatedly burn or freckle after 2 weeks in the sun (45.9%), whites (44.3%), indoor tanners (44.1%), those with a family history of melanoma (43.9%), and those who are US-born (39.5%). Physical activity, alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity were positively associated with sunburn (all P < 0.001); sun protection behaviors were not significantly associated with sunburn (P = 0.35). Among those who were sunburned in the past year, 12.1% experienced 4 or more sunburns.ConclusionSunburn is common, particularly among younger adults, those with a more sun-sensitive skin type, whites, those with a family history of melanoma, the highly physically active, and indoor tanners. Efforts are needed to facilitate sun-safety during outdoor recreation, improve the consistency of sun protection practices, and prevent sunburn, particularly among these subgroups.