Barbara J Walkosz1, Michael D Scott2, David B Buller3, Peter A Andersen4, Larry Beck5, Gary R Cutter6. 1. Senior Scientist, Klein Buendel, Inc., 1667 Cole Boulevard, Suite 225, Golden, CO 80401. 2. Professor Emeritus at California State University and President Mikonics, Inc., 40 B Old Road South, Santa Fe, NM 87540. 3. Senior Scientist and Director of Research, Klein Buendel, Inc., 1667 Cole Boulevard, Suite 225, Golden, CO 80401. 4. Professor Emeritus, School of Communication, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182. 5. Professor, L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Room PSFA 445, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182. 6. Professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, RPHB 401B, University of Alabama, 1720 2Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exposure to solar ultra violet radiation (UVR) is a primary risk factor for skin cancer. Vacationers often fail to protect themselves from harmful UVR. PURPOSE: The study assessed the sun protection practices of resort guests in various outdoor leisure and recreation venues during warm-weather seasons. METHOD: 41 North American resorts were enrolled in a quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial. Adult guests were observed (n=4091) and surveyed (n=3694) in a cross sectional sample. Data collection was conducted in recreation and leisure venues with outdoors commons/reception areas acting as the comparison condition. RESULTS: The mean percent of vacationers at pools and beaches were more likely (p < 0.001) to wear sunscreen than in commons areas but less likely (p < 0.001) to wear cover-up clothing or use shade. In both samples, the combined sun protection scores were higher in commons areas compared to all venues except for outdoor dining (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Sun safety was suboptimal in all venues and was potentially mitigated by venue type. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE: Approaches are needed to encourage vacationers to practice comprehensive sun protection and to work with resorts to construct built environments that facilitate rather than act as barriers to sun safety.
BACKGROUND: Exposure to solar ultra violet radiation (UVR) is a primary risk factor for skin cancer. Vacationers often fail to protect themselves from harmful UVR. PURPOSE: The study assessed the sun protection practices of resort guests in various outdoor leisure and recreation venues during warm-weather seasons. METHOD: 41 North American resorts were enrolled in a quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial. Adult guests were observed (n=4091) and surveyed (n=3694) in a cross sectional sample. Data collection was conducted in recreation and leisure venues with outdoors commons/reception areas acting as the comparison condition. RESULTS: The mean percent of vacationers at pools and beaches were more likely (p < 0.001) to wear sunscreen than in commons areas but less likely (p < 0.001) to wear cover-up clothing or use shade. In both samples, the combined sun protection scores were higher in commons areas compared to all venues except for outdoor dining (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Sun safety was suboptimal in all venues and was potentially mitigated by venue type. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE: Approaches are needed to encourage vacationers to practice comprehensive sun protection and to work with resorts to construct built environments that facilitate rather than act as barriers to sun safety.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cancer and Cancer Education; Health Communication
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