Predictors of sun protection in Canadian adults

An analysis of Canadian survey data was performed to identify independent predictors of different protective behaviours and of their use in combination.

Data from light-skinned respondents of the 1996 National Survey on Sun Exposure & Protective Behaviours who spent 30+ minutes per day of their leisure time in the sun (N = 1,027) were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to identify independent predictors of four types of sun protection behaviour (avoiding the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen to the body) and of their use in combination.

Eighty-one percent of respondents reported performing at least one protective behaviour; each behaviour was practiced by between 40% and 48% of individuals. Respondents more likely to perform the behaviours in combination were older individuals, women and those who did not report being unconcerned about sun protection, wanting a tan, finding sun protection inconvenient or being forgetful about protecting oneself from the sun. These characteristics were generally found to predict each of the individual behaviours, with some notable exceptions (women were less likely than men to wear protective clothing; older individuals were less likely to report sunscreen use). Individuals with a higher education level were more likely to report wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen. Similarly, respondents reporting a higher income level reported sunscreen use more often.

These findings suggest predictors of sun protection to be considered for the targeting of sun safety initiatives to Canadians with poor sun protection practices.