ReportPrevalence and determinants of Australian adolescents' and adults' weekend sun protection and sunburn, summer 2003-2004
Section snippets
Study design
In the southern hemisphere summer of 2003-2004, a national survey was conducted of the sun-related attitudes, behaviors, and sunburn of Australian adults (18-69 years) and adolescents (12-17 years) on summer weekends. The survey consisted of 8 cross-sectional survey waves from late November 2003 to the end of January 2004 with weekly evening telephone interviews held on Mondays or Tuesdays (or Tuesday and Wednesday evenings after a Monday public holiday) about the preceding weekend's outdoor
Sample characteristics
Table I describes the characteristics of the 5073 adults and 699 adolescents who were interviewed. The quotas and weights ensured the sample was proportionate to the age, sex, and state of residence distributions of the population.
The majority of respondents had highly or moderately sensitive skin that would either burn only or burn then tan after exposure to sunlight for more than 30 minutes at the start of summer. Of adults, 17% were employed in a job that involved spending at least half of
Discussion
Arguably, Australia has implemented the most extensive and long-term programs, policies, and campaigns for skin cancer prevention3 to address the rampant incidence in the country. Despite this, many people had less than adequate sun protection on summer weekends in 2003-2004. In particular, wearing clothing covering the arms and staying under shade during outdoor activities was fairly uncommon among both adults and adolescents; whereas more people used hats and sunscreen and wore clothing
Conclusions
There was scope for further improvement in adolescents' and adults' sun-protective behaviors. Given the strong effects of temperature on behaviors, broadcasting messages about the need for sun protection on hotter days may be useful. In addition, messages might focus on protecting skin well when outdoors for long periods, given that sunscreen and usual headwear styles worn have provided limited protection from sunburn. Use of multiple sun-protective behaviors should continue to be promoted,
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Supported by State Cancer Councils of Australia and the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Dr Reeder and the Social and Behavioural Research Unit receive funding from the Cancer Society of New Zealand Inc, and the University of Otago.
Conflicts of interest: None declared.