Sun-protection practices among undergraduates at an Australian University

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To assess the sun-protection practices of undergraduates at the Australian National University. Methods: We sent emails with links to the questionnaire on the use of five sun-protection practices in the last fortnight of the summer to 3341 randomly selected students aged 18-24 years in this cross-sectional study. The response rate was 19% and 507 students met the inclusion criteria. Results: The sample consisted of 338 female and 169 male students with a mean age of 20.5 years (SD±1.9). Any method of sun protection was used always or often by 32% of respondents. The commonest method used was shade (58%) while the least common was wearing a hat (8%). Domestic students (44%) used sunglasses more than the international students (23%, P<0.05) and female students used sunscreen (48%) and sunglasses (37%) more than male students (33% and 23% respectively) (P<0.05). In the 22-24-year-old age group non-medical students (54%) used sunglasses more than the medical students (36%, P<0.05). Conclusions: Only a third of the sample practiced any method of sun protection and there were significant differences in the practices between subgroups, suggesting they were at an increased risk of sun damage.