Hispanic and Latino Ethnicity and Acculturation: Influences on Skin Cancer Prevention Attitudes and Behaviors.

Hispanic and Latino (H/L) populations are among the fastest-growing minority groups in the United States (US), projected to collectively reach 27.5% of the population by 2060. Despite a lower melanoma incidence compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals, H/L individuals face disproportionately higher disease burdens, including later-stage diagnoses and worse prognoses. While differences in sun-protective behaviors and UV exposure have been noted between H/L and NHW populations, the role of acculturation-a process by which individuals adopt the cultural norms of a dominant society-remains underexplored in dermatologic health. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted from August 2023 to August 2024 of adult patients capable of providing informed consent and fluent in English or Spanish. The survey included 32 questions covering sociodemographic data, the validated Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics, and items adapted from prior sun protection behavior studies. A total of 257 responses were collected; 160 respondents (62%) self-identified as H/L, and 141 (55%) were born outside the United States. H/L participants were more likely than non-H/L respondents to avoid peak sun exposure hours (