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Do people who apply sunscreens, re-apply them?
1Epidemiology and Population Health Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|May 20, 1999
Summary
Most Australians use sunscreen, but re-application rates are moderate. Women and younger individuals are more likely to re-apply sunscreen, highlighting a need for improved sun protection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Sunscreen re-application is recommended to enhance UV protection.
- Limited data exists on sunscreen re-application practices in Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess sunscreen application and re-application behaviors in a Queensland community.
- To evaluate other sun protection methods used by the population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire.
- 669 adult respondents from a Queensland community participated.
Main Results:
- 76% of respondents used sunscreen, with 61% reporting re-application.
- Women (66%) and younger adults (<45 years, 79%) were more likely to re-apply sunscreen.
- Increased sun exposure and knowledge of benefits correlated with higher re-application rates.
Conclusions:
- Sunscreen re-application is not universally practiced, despite recommendations.
- Demographic factors (gender, age) and knowledge influence re-application behavior.
- History of non-melanoma skin cancer did not improve sunscreen or physical sun protection practices.