title: Gender aspects of recreational sun-protective behavior: results of a representative, population-based survey among Austrian residents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Lifetime risk for melanoma skin cancer is enlarged by sunlight exposure and reduced by sun protection. Austrian melanoma incidence and mortality rates are constantly rising with higher rates in males. Thus, we aimed at investigating gender-specific recreational sun exposure habits among the Austrian population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a telephone survey among 1500 adults (50.5% females) representing sociodemographic characteristics of the Austrian population. Using a structured questionnaire, we studied gender-specific sun exposure-related knowledge, motives to tan, and behavior.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, using sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and seeking shade were among the three most frequent sun safe measures. Basic skin health knowledge and tanning motives were similar among genders, although females protected themselves more. In general, sunburn occurrence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-1.8), skin type IV (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3-4.5), ex-/non-smoking (OR = 1.4-1.6, 95% CI = 1.0-2.1), low motives to tan (both OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0-1.7), no outdoor sport (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0-1.7), all P < 0.05, as well as the use of sunscreen with lower SPF values (OR = 1.0-3.0, 95% CI = 1.4-4.3) and male gender (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.0), both P < 0.001, increased the odds of practicing low sun protection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this investigation suggest considering gender specificity when planning Public (Skin) Health-related educative campaigns and programs, for example, by highlighting the appearance-related benefits of sun light avoidance.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Haluza
authors.affiliation: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Stana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simic
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Höltge
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Renate
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cervinka
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Hanns
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Moshammer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001317:Austria; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents
keywords: Public Health; gender differences; melanoma; questionnaire survey; skin cancer prevention; sun exposure