Sun protective behaviors at an outdoor entertainment event in Australia

Abstract

An observational study was conducted to examine the use of sun protective hats, clothing, and sunglasses of people attending an outdoor entertainment event in an area of high-to-extreme ultraviolet radiation in New South Wales, Australia. Armidale is unique, as it is a highly-elevated area, almost 1000 m above sea level, and temperatures are often mild with very high-to-extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation. Four trained data collectors observed attendees as they entered the event, and recorded their use of sun protective hats, clothing, and sunglasses. While more than half of the attendees wore sun protective hats, only 14% wore sun protective clothing. Broad-brimmed hats were considered sun protective, while sun protective clothing was defined by shirts with at least three-quarter-length sleeves. Females were more likely to wear both a sun protective hat and clothing than males, and children were less protected than adults. Legislative changes are required to ensure that organizers of outdoor events have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for attendees, including strategies to help reduce ultraviolet radiation exposure.

Primary prevention of keratinocyte carcinoma among outdoor workers, the general population and medical professionals: a systematic review updated for 2019

“…Between 4% and 99% of the general population reported protecting themselves from sun by using a hat during sun exposure …”

“…Percentages of the general population who wore sunglasses while being outside in summer varied between 2% and 83% …”

“…49,50,52,53,55,73 Headgear Between 4% and 99% of the general population reported protecting themselves from sun by using a hat during sun exposure. [28][29][30]40,[57][58][59][60][61]74,75 The percentage of outdoor workers who stated that they wear any kind of hat at work varied between 3% and 94%; 9,36,37,41,43,47,66,67,69,71,72,76 while wearing a wide-brimmed hat ranged between 15% and 28%. 36,40,42,44,66,68 Between 7% and 65% of several medical professionals wore headgear when going outside on sunny days.…”

“…[48][49][50][51][52][53]55,73 Sun-protective clothing Between 11% and 64% of the general population wore or intended to wear sun-protective clothing. [28][29][30]34,40,57,59,61,62,74 Percentages of outdoor workers who wore UV protection clothing varied between 7% and 89%. 36,38,40,43,66,67,69,71,72,76 About 9-86% wore long-sleeved shirts and 44-98% long trousers.…”

Assessment of Biologically Effective Solar Ultraviolet Exposures for Court Staff and Competitors During a Major Australian Tennis Tournament

“…The use of broad brim and legionnaire's hats for court officials is an example of Tennis Australia's positive sun‐safe commitment and provides an example of organizational responsibility . These hats, mandated by the uniform policy , provide satisfactory to very good UVR protection, particularly to the head/scalp, ears, neck and, in the case of broad brim hats, the face .…”