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Sun exposure over a lifetime in Australian adults from latitudinally diverse regions
Citation
Lucas, RM and Valery, P and van der Mei, I and Dwyer, T and Pender, MP and Taylor, B and Ponsonby, AL and The Ausimmune Investigator Group, Sun exposure over a lifetime in Australian adults from latitudinally diverse regions, Photochemistry and Photobiology, 89, (3) pp. 737-744. ISSN 0031-8655 (2013) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2013 The American Society of Photobiology
Abstract
Spatio-temporal patterns in sun exposure underlie variations in skin cancer incidence and vitamin D deficiency, indicate effectiveness of sun protection programs and provide insights into future health risks. From 558 adults across four regions of Australia (Brisbane (27°S), Newcastle (33°S), Geelong and the Western Districts of Victoria (37°S) and Tasmania (43°S)), we collected: self-report data on time-in-the-sun from age 6 years; natural skin color and ethnicity; silicone skin casts (for cumulative skin damage); and serum for vitamin D status. Ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) at the location of residence, with time-in-the-sun, was used to calculate a "UVR dose" for each year of life. Individuals maintained their ranking compared to their peers for time-in-the-sun in summer compared to winter and across ages (Spearman rho 0.24-0.84, all P < 0.001). Time-in-the-sun decreased with age in all birth cohorts, and over calendar time. Summer time-in-the-sun increased with increasing latitude (P < 0.001). Seasonal variation in vitamin D status had greater amplitude and vitamin D deficiency increased with increasing latitude. Temporal patterns are consistent with effectiveness of sun protection programs. Higher relative time-in-the-sun persists from childhood through adulthood. Lower summer time-in-the-sun in the warmest location may have implications for predictions of UVR-related health risks of climate change. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | sun exposure, latitude, adult |
| Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Public Health and Health Services |
| Research Field: | Epidemiology |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) |
| Objective Field: | Behaviour and Health |
| UTAS Author: | van der Mei, I (Associate Professor Ingrid van der Mei) |
| UTAS Author: | Taylor, B (Professor Bruce Taylor) |
| ID Code: | 84528 |
| Year Published: | 2013 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 15 |
| Deposited By: | Menzies Institute for Medical Research |
| Deposited On: | 2013-05-16 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-06 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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