Knowledge and perceptions about sunburn and solar keratoses in Australia

Abstract

An omnibus telephone survey of 1200 adult Australians determined self-reported prevalence of and attitudes to sunburn and sunspots, knowledge of the term solar keratosis and prevalence of skin checks. Half reported they had been sunburnt in the previous year. Seventy-eight per cent considered sunburn to be extremely or very serious, while 73% considered sunspots as serious or very serious. While 29% reported currently having sunspots, 69% had never heard of the term solar keratosis, 30% had never had a skin check and 28% had their last skin check more than 12 months ago. Respondents 18–29 years old (odds ration [OR] = 2.6; P = 0.002) and men (OR = 2.4; P < 0.001) were most likely to experience multiple sunburn. Persons living in capital cities (OR = 0.63; P = 0.006) and having a university degree (OR = 0.52; P = 0.001) had reduced OR for multiple sunburns. Men (OR = 0.45; P < 0.001) were less likely to consider sunburn serious or extremely serious than women. Compared with respondents 18–29 years old, those 55 years or older were 7.4-fold more likely to have had a skin check (P < 0.001). Sun-protection campaigns need to continue using evidence-based interventions targeting younger people and men to reduce sunburn. The terms used in health promotion need to be understood by the target audience.