Observed use of sunglasses in public outdoor settings around Melbourne, Australia: 1993 to 2002.
BACKGROUND
Wearing sunglasses may reduce the risk of cataract and of skin cancer in the periorbital area. Understanding predictors of sunglasses use may help identify groups with lower usage patterns.


METHODS
An annual observational field survey of teenagers and adults at leisure at outdoor venues around Melbourne, Australia was conducted between 11 am and 3 pm on mainly sunny, summer weekends (n=42,207). The serial cross-sectional survey assessed sun protection behaviors, including use of sunglasses from 1993 to 2002, and other variables hypothesized to predict sun-related behavior (sex, age, SES, activity level and setting, size of social group, and weather conditions). Predictors of use of sunglasses were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.


RESULTS
36.2% of those observed wore sunglasses, and this increased only slightly over the years. Sunglasses use was most common among those observed on sunny days, in no or partial shade, in parks/gardens and at pools/beaches, less active people and people on their own or in pairs, people observed in higher socio-economic areas, females, people 20-50 years of age, and people wearing head and clothes cover.


CONCLUSIONS
Sunglasses use should be encouraged among the population in general and especially among golfers, tennis players, teenagers, males, and people in lower SES areas.
Lagerlund
Magdalena
M
Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, The Cancer Council Victoria, 1 Rathdowne Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia.
Dixon
Helen G
HG
Simpson
Julie A
JA
Spittal
Matt
M
Taylor
Hugh R
HR
Dobbinson
Suzanne J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005135:Eye Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005139:Eyeglasses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014505:Urban Population; D014739:Victoria
D013473:Sunscreening Agents