Solar protection behaviours: a study of beachgoers

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dermatology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Sun exposure is a primary risk factor for skin cancer.
• Understanding solar protection behaviors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
• Community-based studies are vital for assessing real-world adherence to sun safety guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of solar protection behaviors among beachgoers.
• To identify predictors of solar protection use in a community sample.
• To inform the development of targeted skin cancer prevention programs.

Main Methods:

• Random sampling of 670 participants across six beaches in the Newcastle district.
• Assessment of solar protection behaviors through direct observation and interviews.
• Administration of questionnaires to a subsample to evaluate attitudes, knowledge, and awareness.

Main Results:

• 45% of participants exhibited high levels of solar protection; 16% used no protection.
• Sunscreen (SPF 15+) use was reported by 69%, hats by 17%, shade by 15.1%, and protective shirts by 3.4%.
• Younger children (0-9 years) showed better protection than older children (11-14 years); adult predictors included marital status and skin self-examination frequency.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists in the adoption of recommended solar protection behaviors among beachgoers.
• Marital status and self-reported skin self-examination are key predictors of solar protection in adults.
• Findings underscore the need for enhanced, community-tailored skin cancer prevention initiatives.