Knowledge and perceptions about sunburn and solar keratoses in Australia

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Sunburn and sunspots are common concerns among Australians.
• Awareness of terms like solar keratosis and engagement in regular skin checks are crucial for early detection of skin damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of and attitudes towards sunburn and sunspots in adult Australians.
• To assess knowledge of solar keratosis and the uptake of skin checks.
• To identify demographic factors associated with sunburn and skin check behavior.

Main Methods:

• An omnibus telephone survey was conducted with 1200 adult Australians.
• Data collected included self-reported sunburn, sunspots, knowledge of solar keratosis, and skin check history.
• Statistical analysis, including odds ratios, was used to identify significant associations.

Main Results:

• 50% of respondents reported sunburn in the past year; 29% currently had sunspots.
• 78% considered sunburn serious, 73% considered sunspots serious.
• 69% had never heard of solar keratosis; 30% never had a skin check.
• Younger adults (18-29) and men were more likely to experience multiple sunburns.
• Men were less likely to perceive sunburn as serious compared to women.
• Older adults (55+) were significantly more likely to have had a skin check.

Conclusions:

• Sun protection campaigns require evidence-based strategies targeting younger people and men to reduce sunburn incidence.
• Health promotion messaging must utilize clear, understandable terminology to improve audience comprehension and engagement.
• Increased awareness and regular skin checks are vital for mitigating the long-term effects of sun exposure.