Vitamin D and Sun Exposure: A Community Survey in Australia

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Abstract

Sun exposure carries both harms and benefits. Exposing the skin to the sun is the main modifiable cause of skin cancers, which exert a considerable health and economic burden in Australia. The most well-established benefit of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is vitamin D production. Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world but, despite the high ambient UV radiation, approximately one quarter of the population is estimated to be vitamin D deficient. Balancing the risks and benefits is challenging and requires effective communication. We sought to provide a snapshot of public knowledge and attitudes regarding sun exposure and vitamin D and to examine the associations between these factors and sun protective behaviors. In 2020 we administered an online survey; 4824 participants with self-reported fair or medium skin color were included in this analysis. Only 25% and 34% of participants were able to identify the amount of time outdoors needed to maintain adequate vitamin D status in summer and winter, respectively and 25% were concerned that sunscreen use inhibits vitamin D synthesis. This lack of knowledge was associated with suboptimal sun protection practices. Public education is warranted to prevent over-exposure, while supporting natural vitamin D production.

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CITATION STYLE

APA

Tran, V., Janda, M., Lucas, R. M., McLeod, D. S. A., Thompson, B. S., Waterhouse, M., … Neale, R. E. (2023). Vitamin D and Sun Exposure: A Community Survey in Australia. Current Oncology, 30(2), 2465–2481. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30020188

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