Vitamin D and sun protection: The impact of mixed public health messages in Australia

✍ Scribed by Philippa H. Youl; Monika Janda; Michael Kimlin

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: French
• Weight: 160 KB
• Volume: 124
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0020-7136
• DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24154

✦ Synopsis

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.