An observational study of sub-protective behaviour at an outdoor spectator sporting event in tropical Queensland, Australia

Nikles, Jane, and Harrison, Simone Lee (2013) An observational study of sub-protective behaviour at an outdoor spectator sporting event in tropical Queensland, Australia. In: Annals of the Australasian College of Tropical Medicine (14) pp. 22-23. From: Townsville Health Research Week, 10-16 October 2013, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Background/Aims: Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Aims To describe the prevalence of observed sun-protection behaviours of a high-risk population in tropical Queensland engaged in outdoor leisure activity.

Methods: Unobtrusive observations of clothing worn by 457 attendees at the Supercar Championship in Townsville, Queensland, Australia were conducted in an unshaded area around solar noon, in July 2009.

Results: Caps were the most popular hat choice. More children (45.1%) than adults (27.1%) wore wide-brimmed/legionnaires/ bucket hats (p=0.007). Many women (35.3%), girls (26.3%), men (24.5%) and boys (18.8%) wore no hat. More females than males wore no hat (p=0.016). More women (17.4%) than men (6.6%) wore full-length sleeves (p=0.001). Short-sleeve shirts were worn by 90% of men and 55% of women. A further 28% of women wore sleeveless/cap-sleeved shirts (p<0.0005). More girls (27.7%) than boys (3%) wore sleeveless/cap-sleeved shirts. More boys (87.9%) than girls (61.1%) wore short-sleeves (p=0.037). Full-length sleeves were equally uncommon among boys (9.1%) and girls (11.1%; p=1).

Conclusion: Observed sun protection behaviours were inadequate to protect spectators from over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation and risk of skin cancer.

Item ID: 31348
Item Type: Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
ISSN: 1448-4706
Additional Information:

Published in the Annals of the ACTM: the Official Journal of The Australasian College of Tropical Medicine. Volume 14, Issue 1, October 2013.

Date Deposited: 16 Apr 2014 01:27
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111706 Epidemiology @ 50%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920401 Behaviour and Health @ 100%
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