Authors:
Djaja N, Janda M, Lucas RM, Harrison SL, van der Mei I, Ebeling PR, et al
Authors notes:
Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2016.
Keywords:
vitamin D, sun-exposure behavior, adequate vitamin D
Abstract:
Sun exposure is the most important source of vitamin D, but is also a risk factor for skin cancer.
This study investigated attitudes toward vitamin D, and changes in sun-exposure behavior due to concern about adequate vitamin D.
Participants (n = 1002) were recruited from four regions of Australia and completed self- and interviewer-administered surveys.
Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between participants' latitude of residence, vitamin D-related attitudes and changes in sun-exposure behaviors during the last summer.
Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to model the association between attitudes and behaviors.
Overall, people who worried about their vitamin D status were more likely to have altered sun protection and spent more time in the sun people not concerned about vitamin D.
Concern about vitamin D was also more common with increasing latitude.
Use of novel item response theory analysis highlighted the potential impact of self-reported behavior change on skin cancer predisposition due concern to vitamin.
This cross-sectional study shows that the strongest determinants of self-reported sun-protection behavior changes due to concerns about vitamin D were attitudes and location, with people at higher latitudes worrying more.