Journal article
Vitamin D and sun protection: The impact of mixed public health messages in Australia
International Journal of Cancer, Vol.124(8), pp.1963-1970
2009
Abstract
Exposure of the skin to sunlight can cause skin cancer and is also necessary for cutaneous Vitamin D production. Media reports have highlighted the purported health benefits of Vitamin D. Our aim was to examine attitudes and behaviours related to sun protection and Vitamin D. A cross-sectional study of 2,001 residents in Queensland, Australia, aged 20-70 years was undertaken. Information collected included the following: skin cancer risk factors; perceptions about levels of sun exposure required to maintain Vitamin D; belief that sun protection increases risk of Vitamin D deficiency; intention, and actual change in sun protection practices for adults and children. Multivariate models examined predictors of attitudinal and behavioural change. One-third (32%) believed a fair-skinned adult, and 31% thought a child required at least 30 min/day in summer sun to maintain Vitamin D levels. Reductions in sun protection were reported by 21% of adults and 14% of children. Factors associated with the belief that sun protection may result in not obtaining enough Vitamin D included age of ≥60 years (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09-1.66) and having skin that tanned easily (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.38-2.78). Participants from low-income households, and those who frequently used sun-protective clothing were more likely to have reduced sun protection practices (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.10-1.73 and OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.36-2.20, respectively). This study provides evidence of reductions in sun protection practices in a population living in a high UV environment. There is an urgent need to refocus messages regarding sun exposure and for continued sun protection practices. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Details
- Title
- Vitamin D and sun protection: The impact of mixed public health messages in Australia
- Authors
- Philippa H Youl (Author) - University of QueenslandM Janda (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyMichael G Kimlin (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Publication details
- International Journal of Cancer, Vol.124(8), pp.1963-1970
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Inc.
- Date published
- 2009
- DOI
- 10.1002/ijc.24154
- ISSN
- 0020-7136
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2009 The Authors. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Youl, P H, Janda, M, Kimlin, Michael G (2009) Vitamin D and sun protection: The impact of mixed public health messages in Australia. International Journal of Cancer, Vol. 124, No. 8, pp.1963-1970, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ijc.24154. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449335502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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