Peter A Andersen1, David B Buller2, Barbara J Walkosz2, Michael D Scott3, Larry Beck4, Xia Liu2, Allison Abbott5, Rachel Eye2. 1. School of Communication, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA. Electronic address: westone47@gmail.com. 2. Klein Buendel, Inc., 1667 Cole Boulevard, Suite 225, Golden, CO 80401, USA. 3. Mikonics, Inc., 40 B Old Road South, Santa Fe, NM 87540, USA. 4. L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, San Diego State University, Room PSFA 445, San Diego, CA 92182, USA. 5. School of Communication, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vacationing at sunny, warm weather locations is a risk factor for excessive solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and skin cancer. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association of environmental variables related to UV levels with vacationers' sun protection. METHODS: Vacationers at 41 summer resorts in 17 states and 1 Canadian Province were interviewed (n=3531) and observed (N=4347) during 2012 and 2013. Clothing coverage, sunglasses, and shade use were observed. Use of sunscreen and sunburns were self-reported. Environmental information was recorded by research staff or acquired from ground stations and the weather service. RESULTS: Temperature was positively associated with sun protection behaviors; however clothing coverage was negatively associated with temperature. Cloud cover was negatively associated with sun protection, with the exception of clothing coverage which was positively associated with it. Elevation showed a mixed pattern of associations with vacationer's sun protection. Latitude of a resort was negatively associated with most sun protection behaviors, such that sun protection increased at more southerly resorts. Similarly, the farther south a vacationer traveled to the resort, the less sun protection they employed. The UV index showed a weak, positive relationship with some sun protection behaviors even when controlling for temperature. CONCLUSIONS: Vacationers appeared aware that UV is higher at southern latitudes and may learn UV is intense when living in southern regions. However, many used temperature, an unreliable cue, to judge UV intensity and seemed to adjust clothing for warmth not UV protection. Efforts are needed to help individuals make more accurate sun safety decisions.
BACKGROUND: Vacationing at sunny, warm weather locations is a risk factor for excessive solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and skin cancer. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association of environmental variables related to UV levels with vacationers' sun protection. METHODS: Vacationers at 41 summer resorts in 17 states and 1 Canadian Province were interviewed (n=3531) and observed (N=4347) during 2012 and 2013. Clothing coverage, sunglasses, and shade use were observed. Use of sunscreen and sunburns were self-reported. Environmental information was recorded by research staff or acquired from ground stations and the weather service. RESULTS: Temperature was positively associated with sun protection behaviors; however clothing coverage was negatively associated with temperature. Cloud cover was negatively associated with sun protection, with the exception of clothing coverage which was positively associated with it. Elevation showed a mixed pattern of associations with vacationer's sun protection. Latitude of a resort was negatively associated with most sun protection behaviors, such that sun protection increased at more southerly resorts. Similarly, the farther south a vacationer traveled to the resort, the less sun protection they employed. The UV index showed a weak, positive relationship with some sun protection behaviors even when controlling for temperature. CONCLUSIONS: Vacationers appeared aware that UV is higher at southern latitudes and may learn UV is intense when living in southern regions. However, many used temperature, an unreliable cue, to judge UV intensity and seemed to adjust clothing for warmth not UV protection. Efforts are needed to help individuals make more accurate sun safety decisions.
Authors: David B Buller; Suzanne Dobbinson; Dallas R English; Melanie Wakefield; Mary Klein Buller Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Date: 2017-02-07 Impact factor: 2.226
Authors: Jessica Walburn; Martha Canfield; Sam Norton; Kirby Sainsbury; Vera Araújo-Soares; Lesley Foster; Mark Berneburg; Alain Sarasin; Natalie Morrison-Bowen; Falko F Sniehotta; Robert Sarkany; John Weinman Journal: Br J Health Psychol Date: 2019-06-10
Authors: Suzanne J Dobbinson; Jody Simmons; James A Chamberlain; Robert J MacInnis; Jo Salmon; Petra K Staiger; Melanie Wakefield; Jenny Veitch Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-08-21 Impact factor: 3.390