New Zealander's failing to undertake skin cancer prevention activities
December 13, 2018
Abstract
Aims: We aimed to investigate sun protection behaviours and shade availability in outdoor recreation spaces using image captured by children who, in 2014/15, wore wearable cameras for four consecutive days.
Methods: The 168 participants visited 16 outdoor recreation spaces between 10am and 4pm, capturing 378 images, on average, in each setting. People observed in the images (n=2,635) were coded for age, sex, clothing worn (38 clothing types) and shade used. Mean temperature and ultraviolet index (UVI) values were linked with the time-stamped and geo-referenced images.
Results: The UVI in most settings was high enough to warrant sun protection, but only 4.3% of people wore sun-protective hats (broad-brim, bucket and legionnaire styles) and 10.7% used shade. Areas most popular with children, including playground equipment, beach sand and pool areas, had little or no shade available.
Conclusions: Despite New Zealand having the highest incidence of melanoma skin cancer in the world, the results indicate that few New Zealanders wear hats and seek shade in outdoor recreation settings. The findings highlight the need to improve policy and environmental support for skin cancer prevention activities.
Source:
Gage R, Barr M, Stanley J, Reeder A, Mackay C, Smith M, Chambers T, Leung W, Signal L. (2018) Sun protection and shade availability in New Zealand’s outdoor recreation space. The New Zealand Medical Journal, 131(1484).