ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5309-0773
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James Cook University
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Publisher: Figshare
Date: 2016
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-07-2007
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYL068
Abstract: Excessive exposure to sunlight during early childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Self-administered questionnaires exploring sun-protection knowledge, practices and policy were mailed to the directors/coordinators/senior teachers of all known early childhood services in Queensland, Australia, in 2002 (n = 1383 56.5% response). Most (73.7%) services had a written sun-protection policy (SPP). However, 40.6% of pre-schools and kindergartens had not developed a written SPP. Most directors had moderate knowledge about sun-protection (median score: 7/12 [IQR 6, 8]), but few understood the UV index, the sun-protection factor rating for sunscreens or the association between childhood sun-exposure, mole development and melanoma. Pre-school teachers had lower knowledge scores than directors of long day care centers and other services (P = 0.0005). Staff members reportedly wore sun-protective hats, clothing and sunglasses more often than children. However, sunscreen use was higher among children than staff. Directors' knowledge scores predicted reported hat, clothing, sunscreen and shade utilization among children. Remoteness impacted negatively on director's knowledge (P = 0.043) and written SPP development (P = 0.0005). Higher composite sun-protection scores were reported for children and staff from services with written sun-protection policies. SPP development and increased sun-protection knowledge of directors may improve reported sun-protective behaviors of children and staff of early childhood services.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 1999
DOI: 10.1001/ARCHDERM.135.1.47
Abstract: To investigate the body-site distribution of melanocytic nevi (MN) with respect to habitually and intermittently sun-exposed surfaces. Cross-sectional survey of MN prevalence. Townsville (19.16 degrees S), Queensland, Australia. Random s le of 506 1- to 6-year-old white children who were born and raised in Townsville (response, 87.6%). Site-specific counts and densities (number per square meter) of MN. Densities of MN of all sizes were highest on the outer forearms, followed by the outer upper arms, neck, and face. The feet had the lowest density of MN. Densities of MN of 2 mm or greater were highest on the upper arms and trunk. Boys had higher densities of MN of all sizes on the neck than girls (P = .002). Girls had higher densities of MN of 2 mm or greater on the lower legs (P = .006) and thighs (P = .005) than boys. Habitually sun-exposed body sites had higher densities, particularly of small MN, than relatively sun-protected sites, and larger MN were most prevalent on the intermittently exposed skin of the trunk. These children have higher total body and site-specific MN counts and densities than children from elsewhere, and their MN are distributed over the body in a way that implicates exposure to sunlight. As sun exposure in childhood and MN are risk factors for melanoma, intervention studies are required to determine if MN can be prevented.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-1995
DOI: 10.1016/0190-9622(95)91331-9
Abstract: Various melanocytic lesions are frequently observed. An understanding of phenotypic factors and environmental stimuli that are associated with these lesions may help explain their pathogenesis. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of atypical nevi, blue nevi, cafe-au-lait macules, congenital nevus-like nevi, halo nevi, nevi spili, nevi 5 mm or more in diameter, and skin-colored melanocytic nevi in a population of schoolchildren and to explore risk factors including solar radiation in the development of these melanocytic lesions. A cross-sectional study was performed by the same medical investigators to examine schoolchildren in three Australian cities that span a wide range of latitudes. Data from 1123 white Australian schoolchildren, 6 to 15 years of age, were analyzed. Acquired melanocytic nevi (atypical nevi, nevi > or = 5 mm in diameter, and skin-colored nevi) were more likely to develop in older fair-skinned subjects who had freckles and lived closest to the equator. Café-au-lait macules and congenital nevus-like nevi were observed in 36.3% and 4.4% of the total population, respectively. Prevalence for both these types of melanocytic lesions increased significantly with decreasing latitude. Halo nevi were present in 5.3% of the subjects and were usually solitary. These lesions were related to the presence of atypical nevi primarily by virtue of their size rather than of other features of clinical atypia. Like melanocytic nevi in general, large and atypical nevi are strongly influenced by geographic location and, by implication, degree of solar radiation. The same can be said for congenital nevus-like nevi, which suggests that many so-called congenital nevi are in fact acquired early in life.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-05-2007
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 18-04-2016
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYW020
Abstract: Queensland, Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer globally. Predetermined criteria were used to score the comprehensiveness of sun protection policies (SPP) of primary schools across Queensland. SPP were sought for schools in 10 regions (latitude range 16.3°S-28.1°S) from 2011 to 2014. Of the 723 schools s led, 90.9% had a written SPP available publicly. Total SPP scores were low {mean 3.6 [95% CI: 3.4-3.9] median 2 [interquartile range (IQR) 2, 4]}, with only 3.2% of schools achieving the maximum score of 12. Median SPP scores were higher in Northern and Central Queensland [both 2 (IQR 2, 6) and (IQR 2, 5), respectively] than in Southern Queensland [2 (IQR 2, 3) P = 0.004]. Clothing and hat-wearing were addressed in most policies (96% and 89%) while few schools used their SPP to plan outdoor events (5.2%) or reschedule activities to minimize sun exposure (11.7%). The SunSmart Schools program has been operating in Queensland for 17 years, and while most primary schools now have a written SPP, most are not comprehensive. Incentive-based approaches (5-star-rating award scheme and grants) may assist in addressing this issue, to reduce sun exposure of students and teachers. These data provide a baseline from which improvements in the comprehensiveness of school SPPs can be evaluated.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2000
DOI: 10.1580/1080-6032(2000)011[0233:IACFJE]2.3.CO;2
Abstract: To compare the temporal distribution of Irukandji and Chironex fleckeri stings, the demographics of victims, the prevailing physical conditions at the time of a sting, and the prevalence of unsuitable first aid strategies. Retrospective assessment of 478 Chironex and 544 Irukandji stings in Queensland and the Northern Territory of Australia. Adolescent and young adult males were the most common victims of Irukandji (median age 21 years) and Chironex stings (median age 16 years). Most Chironex stings occurred on the legs, while Irukandji stings were more common on the arms. Vinegar was correctly used to remove tentacles in 90.5% of Chironex stings, whereas inappropriate treatments were used in the remaining cases. Chironex stings were reported in every month in the Northern Territory, and in all months but June and July in Queensland. The peak prevalence for Chironex stings occurred in January in both areas, while the number of Irukandji stings peaked in December in Queensland and in May in the Northern Territory. Chironex stings were more common on still, cloudy days, whereas Irukandji stings were more common on still, clear days. Irukandji stings were more frequent than Chironex stings on rough days (P = .0005). Chironex and Irukandji stings were similar with respect to tides, moon phases, and rainfall. This study failed to predict exact weather patterns or other contributing factors to reduce the risk of stings to an acceptable level, but did identify several factors that increase the incidence of stings. The "stinger-free" season reported on Chironex warning signs is inaccurate and should be changed to warn bathers that Chironex may be present year round, particularly in the Northern Territory.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-03-2005
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWI081
Abstract: In 1999, the authors began recruitment for a randomized controlled intervention trial aimed at preventing melanocytic nevi (moles) by minimizing sun exposure through the use of sun-protective clothing. The study involves 652 Caucasian children (75.6% response) aged 0-35 months from 25 child-care centers (n = 13 intervention and n = 12 control) living in the high-solar-irradiance environment of Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Children attending intervention centers wear investigator-provided garments made from fabrics with ultraviolet protection factors rated very good to excellent. Control centers continue to offer usual care. Three-year follow-up of all children will be completed in 2005. The main outcome measure is the number of new melanocytic nevi. At baseline, the two groups were similar with respect to nevi, phenotype, age, demographic characteristics, sun-protection habits, and history of sun exposure, except that more children from control versus intervention centers (2% and 0%, respectively p = 0.006) had experienced painful sunburn with blistering. Higher melanocytic nevus counts were associated with more time spent outdoors and a history of sunburn, while sunscreen use, particularly during the mild winter months, appeared to have a protective effect. These findings further substantiate the hypothesis that nevus development in young children is related to sun exposure.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-1999
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2003
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-06-2013
Abstract: Parents play a key role in children's sun-protective behaviour, with good sun-protective habits established early tending to be sustained. We designed a maternity hospital-based educational intervention to reduce myths that could result in mothers intentionally sunning their babies. Interviews were conducted with two cross-sections of healthy post-partum inpatients in the maternity ward of a large regional public hospital. The first group (n = 106) was recruited before the commencement of educational in-services for maternity nursing staff the second group (n = 203) was interviewed after the last staff in-service session. More pre-intervention than post-intervention women reported they would expose their baby to sunlight to: treat suspected jaundice (28.8% vs. 13.3% p < 0.001) or help their baby's skin adapt to sunlight (10.5% vs. 2.5% p = 0.003). Fewer post-intervention women indicated they would sun themselves to treat breastfeeding-associated sore/cracked nipples (7.6% vs. 2% p = 0.026). This educational intervention should be used to educate parents, health professionals and students.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-11-2022
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS202211.0099.V1
Abstract: Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of skin cancer. Sport is a fundamental part of Australasian culture, beginning in childhood, often with life-long participation. Participating in outdoor sports can contribute significantly to the lifetime ultraviolet radiation (UVR) dose in iduals receive and their risk of developing skin cancer. This systematic scoping review explores the use of sun-protection by outdoor sporting participants in Australasia and considers how sun-protection practices may be better evaluated and improved in the community. A search of electronic databases using the search strategy & sun protection& AND & sport& AND & Australia& yielded 17 studies published in English from January 1992 to August 2021. Study methods included using UV-dosimeters to measure in idual UVR-exposure remote estimates of clothing-adjusted UVR-exposure direct observation of sun-protection practices and self-reported sun-exposure and sun-protection. Despite 40-years of & lsquo Slip Slop Slap& rsquo c aigns in Australia, the use of sun-protection in most outdoor sports is inadequate. The paucity of comparable data limited our analyses, demonstrating a need for standardized, objective evaluation tools. Such tools, if used across a range of sports, should inform the development of workable recommendations that sporting clubs could implement and adopt into policy, thus empowering them to better protect the health of their participants.
Publisher: Figshare
Date: 2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-03-2023
Abstract: Numerous pigmented moles are associated with sun exposure and melanomarisk. This cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to determine if sun-protective clothing could prevent a significant proportion of the moles developing in young children (ACTRN12617000621314 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Twenty-five childcare centers in Townsville (19.25° S), Australia, were matched on shade provision and socioeconomic status. One center from each pair was randomized to the intervention arm and the other to the control arm. Children at 13 intervention centers wore study garments and legionnaire hats at childcare and received sun-protective swimwear and hats for home use, while children at the 12 control centers did not. The 1–35-month-old children (334 intervention 210 control) were examined for moles at baseline (1999–2002) and were re-examined annually for up to 4 years. Both groups were similar at baseline. Children at intervention centers acquired fewer new moles overall (median 12.5 versus 16, p = 0.02 0.46 versus 0.68 moles/month, p = 0.001) and fewer new moles on clothing-protected skin (6 vs. 8 p = 0.021 adjusted for confounding and cluster s ling) than controls. Intervention children had 24.3% fewer new moles overall (26.5 versus 35) and 31.6% (13 versus 19) fewer moles on clothing-protected skin than controls after 3.5 years. Sunlight’s influence on nevogenesis is mitigated when children regularly wear UPF 30-50+ clothing covering half their body, implying that increased clothing cover reduces melanoma risk. Sun-protective clothing standards should mandate reporting of the percentage of garment coverage for childrenswear.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2012
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-11-2020
Abstract: Having numerous melanocytic nevi increases melanoma risk. Few studies have enumerated nevi in children and re-examined them as adults. We aimed to determine if childhood nevus-counts predict nevus-prone adults, and further explore the relevance of host-factors and sun-exposure. Fifty-one Caucasian residents of Townsville (19.16° S, Queensland, Australia) had full-body nevus-counts aged 1–6 and 21–31 years-old. Sun-exposure was determined from questionnaires. Children in the upper-quartile of nevus-counts acquired nevi more rapidly than those in the bottom-quartile (13.3 versus 4.7 nevi/year p 0.0005). Children sunburnt before 7 years-old acquired more incident nevi by adulthood (238 versus 126, p = 0.003) particularly if sunburn was severe (321 versus 157.5, p = 0.003) or erythema occurred annually (380 versus 132, p = 0.008). Fair-skinned, freckled children with some nevi ≥ 3 mm, solar lentigines, or a family history of melanoma acquired more incident nevi than children without these attributes. Nevus-prone adults exhibit distinguishing features earlier in life ( years-old in Queensland) than has been shown previously. In addition to intervening with sun-protection counselling early enough to reduce risk, being able to reliably triage children into high- and low melanoma-risk groups may inform more efficacious and cost-effective targeted-screening in melanoma-prone populations. Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm that these attributes can reliably separate risk-groups.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2008.05.002
Abstract: To describe the development, implementation and evaluation of an educational intervention that addresses risky beliefs held by midwives and nurses working in maternity areas and new mothers about therapeutic sun exposure. In 2002-2003, 59 midwives and nurses from a hospital in northern Queensland participated in an educational intervention to discourage mothers from exposing themselves and their infants to sunlight for therapeutic reasons. Intervention staff attended an educational workshop and/or received educational resources. Resources (posters, p hlets and bookmarks) were developed for the staff to use for educating mothers. Process evaluation of the quality and usefulness of the workshop and resources was conducted immediately after the workshop and 12 months later. Intervention staff indicated that the workshop was relevant to their work, and increased their knowledge and confidence in talking to mothers about sunlight exposure. Ninety percent of the 59 participants indicated they had used the workshop information in their interactions with post-partum mothers. Of the resources, p hlets and bookmarks were used most often. The educational intervention was successful in developing the knowledge of midwives and nurses to provide sound advice to new mothers about therapeutic sun exposure and in developing resources to support them in their education. Although workshops and resources are useful in the short term, they are impractical to sustain. To improve sustainability, content on this topic needs to be incorporated into midwifery and nursing curricula across Australia.
Publisher: Figshare
Date: 2016
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1111/BJD.15938
Abstract: National standards for clothing designed to protect the wearer from the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) have been implemented in Australia/New Zealand, Europe and the U.S.A. Industry standards reflect the need to protect the skin by covering a considerable proportion of the potentially exposed body surface area (BSA) and by reducing UVR-transmission through fabric (the Ultraviolet Protection Factor UPF). This research aimed to develop a new index for rating sun-protective clothing that incorporates the BSA coverage of the garment in addition to the UPF of the fabric. A mannequin model was fixed to an optical bench and marked with horizontal lines at 1-cm intervals. An algorithm (the Garment Protector Factor GPF) was developed based on the number of lines visible on the clothed vs. unclothed mannequin and the UPF of the garment textile. This data was collected in 2015/16 and analysed in 2016. The GPF weights fabric UPF by BSA coverage above the minimum required by international sun-protective clothing standards for upper-body, lower-body and full-body garments. The GPF increases with BSA coverage of the garment and fabric UPF. Three nominal categories are proposed for the GPF: 0 ≤ GPF & 3 for garments that ‘meet’ minimum standards 3 ≤ GPF & 6 for garments providing ‘good’ sun protection and GPF ≥ 6 indicating ‘excellent’ protection. Adoption of the proposed rating scheme should encourage manufacturers to design sun-protective garments that exceed the minimum standard for BSA coverage, with positive implications for skin cancer prevention, consumer education and sun-protection awareness.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-12-2018
DOI: 10.1111/NHS.12396
Abstract: An observational study was conducted to examine the use of sun protective hats, clothing, and sunglasses of people attending an outdoor entertainment event in an area of high-to-extreme ultraviolet radiation in New South Wales, Australia. Armidale is unique, as it is a highly-elevated area, almost 1000 m above sea level, and temperatures are often mild with very high-to-extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation. Four trained data collectors observed attendees as they entered the event, and recorded their use of sun protective hats, clothing, and sunglasses. While more than half of the attendees wore sun protective hats, only 14% wore sun protective clothing. Broad-brimmed hats were considered sun protective, while sun protective clothing was defined by shirts with at least three-quarter-length sleeves. Females were more likely to wear both a sun protective hat and clothing than males, and children were less protected than adults. Legislative changes are required to ensure that organizers of outdoor events have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for attendees, including strategies to help reduce ultraviolet radiation exposure.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2005
Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group
Date: 2012
Publisher: Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.
Date: 2013
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1039/C4PP00322E
Abstract: Despite the widespread use of ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) as a proxy measure of personal exposure to UVR, the relationship between the two is not well-defined. This paper examines the effects of season and latitude on the relationship between ambient UVR and personal UVR exposure. We used data from the AusD Study, a multi-centre cross-sectional study among Australian adults (18-75 years), where personal UVR exposure was objectively measured using polysulphone dosimeters. Data were analysed for 991 participants from 4 Australian cities of different latitude: Townsville (19.3°S), Brisbane (27.5°S), Canberra (35.3°S) and Hobart (42.8°S). Daily personal UVR exposure varied from 0.01 to 21 Standard Erythemal Doses (median = 1.1, IQR: 0.5-2.1), on average accounting for 5% of the total available ambient dose. There was an overall positive correlation between ambient UVR and personal UVR exposure (r = 0.23, p < 0.001). However, the correlations varied according to season and study location: from strong correlations in winter (r = 0.50) and at high latitudes (Hobart, r = 0.50 Canberra, r = 0.39), to null or even slightly negative correlations, in summer (r = 0.01) and at low latitudes (Townsville, r = -0.06 Brisbane, r = -0.16). Multiple regression models showed significant effect modification by season and location. Personal exposure fraction of total available ambient dose was highest in winter (7%) and amongst Hobart participants (7%) and lowest in summer (1%) and in Townsville (4%). These results suggest season and latitude modify the relationship between ambient UVR and personal UVR exposure. Ambient UVR may not be a good indicator for personal exposure dose under some circumstances.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-1999
DOI: 10.1046/J.1440-1754.1999.00362.X
Abstract: To determine the prevalence of maternal beliefs about the therapeutic uses of sunlight in infancy in tropical Australia. Data were collected by interviewing 114 post-partum patients in Townsville (19 degrees 16'S), Queensland. Each woman was asked a series of open-ended and set-response questions about ancestry, pigmentation, residential history, parity, maternal and paternal education, and beliefs regarding the reputed therapeutic uses of sunlight. Half of the women had at least one risky belief about the perceived benefits of sunning their baby. Thirty-six per cent were in favour of using sunlight to treat neonatal jaundice 20.2% believed it was necessary to intentionally sun their baby to prevent vitamin D deficiency and 10.5% thought sunlight was a good remedy for nappy rash. Independent predictors of one or more of these beliefs included maternal age and education level, and having another child that had been treated for jaundice. Forty per cent of multiparous women had sunned a child to treat neonatal jaundice. In most cases, advice to mothers to sun their baby had been given by a midwife/nurse (41% or a doctor aediatrician (28%). Post-parturient women had a high prevalence of beliefs that may result in their infant being intentionally exposed to sunlight, and which could increase their child's future risk of skin neoplasia. Midwives and doctors, including paediatricians, were identified as the major professional sources of these beliefs. Professional education is needed to change the beliefs of health professionals who recommend therapies involving sunlight.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-1994
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(94)90348-4
Abstract: Queensland, Australia, has the highest rates of melanoma in the world and Queensland children have the greatest numbers of melanocytic naevi, the strongest risk factor for melanoma. Although both melanoma and naevi are broadly related to sun exposure in childhood, the relation to in idual exposure early in life is difficult to study retrospectively in adults. We surveyed 506 children aged 1-6 years who had been born in Townsville, North Queensland. Sun exposure was assessed by questionnaire and melanocytic naevi were counted using a standard international protocol. Very high counts (upper quarter) of melanocytic naevi were significantly associated with sun exposure of more than 4 hours per day (adjusted relative risk ratio 3.29 95% Cl 1.12-9.69), and with a history of sunburn (1.89 1.11-3.21). Melanocytic naevus counts increased with age, light skin reflectance, and freckling. With exposure to intense ultraviolet light in Townsville, children develop melanocytic naevi early in life and in large numbers. We found that both acute and chronic exposure to sun are associated with their development.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JID.2018.12.025
Abstract: Animal and human studies show that exposure to solar-simulated UVR is immunomodulatory. Human studies that used natural sun exposure and controlled for confounding are rare. We immunized 217 healthy adults (age range = 18-40 years) with a T-cell-dependent antigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and measured personal clothing-adjusted UVR exposure (for 5 days before and after immunization), lifetime cumulative UVR exposure, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration at immunization, and potential confounding factors. We tested cellular and humoral immune responses in relation to UVR exposure. The delayed-type hypersensitivity response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin recall challenge was lower in in iduals with higher personal clothing-adjusted UVR exposure on the day before immunization (P = 0.015) and during intervals spanning the day before to 2-3 days after immunization. There was an incremental increase in T helper type 17 cells (as a proportion of CD4
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.WOMBI.2013.03.002
Abstract: Many post-partum women hold risky beliefs about perceived therapeutic benefits of sun-exposure in the post-partum period and infancy. Can a maternity hospital based educational intervention reduce the prevalence of such beliefs among post-partum women? In this outcome evaluation of an interventional study, two groups of healthy post-partum women (hospital inpatients) were interviewed, 1-4 days following delivery. The first cross-section (106 women) was recruited prior to in-services for maternity staff the second (203 women) was recruited after completion of the in-services. Data were compared between the groups. More pre-intervention than post-intervention women reported they would expose their baby to sunlight to treat suspected jaundice (28.8% vs. 13.3% p<0.001) or help his/her skin adapt to the sun (10.5% vs. 2.5% p=0.003) or use sunlight to manage breastfeeding-associated sore/cracked nipples (7.6% vs. 2% p=0.026). This simple, effective educational intervention could be implemented in programmes for parents, health professionals and students.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOBIOL.2007.09.008
Abstract: This study assesses the Vitamin D status of 126 healthy free-living adults aged 18-87 years, in southeast Queensland, Australia (27 degrees S) at the end of the 2006 winter. Participants provided blood s les for analysis of 25(OH)D (the measure of an in idual's Vitamin D status), PTH, Calcium, Phosphate, and Albumin, completed a questionnaire on sun-protective/sun-exposure behaviours, and were assessed for phenotypic characteristics such as skin/hair/eye colour and BMI. We found that 10.2% of the participants had serum 25(OH)D levels below 25 nmol/l (considered deficient) and a further 32.3% had levels between 25 nmol/l and 50 nmol/l (considered insufficient). Our results show that low levels of 25(OH)D can occur in a substantial proportion of the population at the end of winter, even in a sunny climate. 25(OH)D levels were higher amongst those who spent more time in the sun and lower among obese participants (BMI>30) than those who were not obese (BMI<30). 25(OH)D levels were also lower in participants who had black hair, dark/olive skin, or brown eyes, when compared with participants who had brown or fair hair, fair skin, or blue/green eyes. No associations were found between 25(OH)D status and age, gender, smoking status, or the use of sunscreen.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-03-2014
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12265
Abstract: Personal ultraviolet dosimeters have been used in epidemiological studies to understand the risks and benefits of in iduals' exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We investigated the types and determinants of noncompliance associated with a protocol for use of polysulphone UVR dosimeters. In the AusD Study, 1002 Australian adults (aged 18-75 years) were asked to wear a new dosimeter on their wrist each day for 10 consecutive days to quantify their daily exposure to solar UVR. Of the 10 020 dosimeters distributed, 296 (3%) were not returned or used (Type-I noncompliance) and other usage errors were reported for 763 (8%) returned dosimeters (Type-II noncompliance). Type-I errors were more common in participants with predominantly outdoor occupations. Type-II errors were reported more frequently on the first day of measurement weekend days or rainy days and among females younger people more educated participants or those with outdoor occupations. Half (50%) the participants reported a noncompliance error on at least 1 day during the 10-day period. However, 92% of participants had at least 7 days of usable data without any apparent noncompliance issues. The factors identified should be considered when designing future UVR dosimetry studies.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-03-2016
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12582
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.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-07-2017
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.12780
Abstract: Data on personal sun exposure over a period exceeding the immediate past days or weeks are typically self-reported in brief questionnaire items. The validity of such self-reporting of longer term personal sun exposure, for ex le over a year, including detail on variation across seasons, has not previously been investigated. In a volunteer s le (n = 331) of Australian adults aged 18 years and over, we assessed the 12-month reliability of sun exposure reported separately for each season, and its accuracy compared to a daily sun diary in the same season. Seasonal time outdoors displayed fair-to-good reliability between baseline and end of study (12 months), with responses showing higher agreement at lower levels of time outdoors. There was good agreement for ranking of in iduals' time outdoors with the daily sun diary data, although the actual diary time outdoors was typically considerably lower than the self-reported questionnaire data. Place of residence, education, being a smoker, day of the week (i.e. working day vs nonworking day) and working mainly outdoors were significant predictors of agreement. While participants overestimated their actual time outdoors, the self-report questionnaire provided a valid ranking of long-term sun exposure against others in the study that was reliable over time.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 16-08-2016
Publisher: Microbiology Society
Date: 08-2009
Abstract: Solar UV radiation is the main risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), but infections with skin human papillomavirus (HPV) types have also been linked to the development of SCC. Little is known about the natural history of these infections and whether the seroprevalence of skin HPV types is affected by ambient or in idual levels of sun exposure. This study investigated this by analysing sera for antibodies to 26 skin HPV types from five phylogenetic genera obtained from 807 healthy in iduals from the Netherlands, Italy and Australia, countries with strong differences in sunlight intensity. Overall HPV seroprevalence was similar across the three countries (50–57 % for β -HPV types, 40–48 % for γ -HPV types), and the most frequent β -HPV and γ -HPV types were the same in all countries. The highest seroprevalences for 24 of the 26 skin HPV types were observed in Italy (14 types) and Australia (ten types). Seroprevalence among men was generally higher than among women, and the male sex was significantly associated with both β -HPV [odds ratio (OR) 2.81, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.64–4.82] and γ -HPV (OR 2.42, 95 % CI 1.40–4.18) antibodies in Australia. The only measure of sun sensitivity or UV exposure significantly associated with skin HPV seroprevalence was found for weekend sun exposure in Australia and β -HPV antibodies. It was concluded that type spectra and HPV seroprevalence are similar in countries with different sunlight intensity, and that levels of UV exposure do not play a strong role in the development of skin HPV antibodies in this study population.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-03-2013
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWS322
Abstract: Observational studies suggest that people with a high serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration may have reduced risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The AusD Study (A Quantitative Assessment of Solar UV Exposure for Vitamin D Synthesis in Australian Adults) was conducted to clarify the relationships between ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, dietary intake of vitamin D, and serum 25(OH)D concentration among Australian adults residing in Townsville (19.3°S), Brisbane (27.5°S), Canberra (35.3°S), and Hobart (42.8°S). Participants aged 18-75 years were recruited from the Australian Electoral Roll between 2009 and 2010. Measurements were made of height, weight, waist:hip ratio, skin, hair, and eye color, blood pressure, and grip strength. Participants completed a questionnaire on sun exposure and vitamin D intake, together with 10 days of personal UV dosimetry and an associated sun-exposure and physical-activity diary that was temporally linked to a blood test for measurement of 25(OH)D concentration. Ambient solar UV radiation was also monitored at all study sites. We collected comprehensive, high-quality data from 1,002 participants (459 males, 543 females) assessed simultaneously across a range of latitudes and through all seasons. Here we describe the scientific and methodological issues considered in designing the AusD Study.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 15-06-2002
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate agreement among counts of melanocytic nevi made by parents, counts made by a dermatologist, and counts made by assessment of photographs. In 1990, 421 schoolchildren aged 6-15 years from Townsville, Queensland, Australia (latitude 19.16 degrees S), participated in the Eastern Australian Childhood Nevus Study. In an agreement study, parents were asked to mark on an anatomic diagram any melanocytic nevi greater than or equal to 2 mm in diameter and greater than or equal to 5 mm in diameter they observed on their child's back prior to the child's examination by a dermatologist 324 parents responded (a 77% response rate). Standardized slide photographs of each child's back were taken, and melanocytic nevi were counted by an experienced non-medical-examiner upon projection. Agreement was assessed graphically and with the concordance correlation coefficient (r(c)). Parental counts of melanocytic nevi were similar to counts made by the dermatologist (n = 77 for nevi >or=2 mm, r(c) = 0.51 for nevi >or=5 mm, r(c) = 0.78) and counts obtained from the photographs (n = 324 for nevi >or=2 mm, r(c) = 0.68 for nevi >or=5 mm, r(c) = 0.68). Few parents reported false-positive lesions. Parents tended to underestimate the number of melanocytic nevi greater than or equal to 2 mm in diameter (mean difference from dermatologist: -3.2, standard deviation 6.8 mean difference from photographs: -1.1, standard deviation 5.1), particularly when the density of melanocytic nevi was high. Agreement between dermatologist counts and photograph counts was high (for nevi >or=2 mm, r(c) = 0.80 for nevi >or=5 mm, r(c) = 0.87). The authors conclude that parents are capable of counting melanocytic nevi on their children's skin with some validity. In epidemiologic studies of children, counts of melanocytic nevi obtained from standardized photographs have the potential to replace counts made by physicians.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOBIOL.2014.12.029
Abstract: To examine the effects of meteorological factors on weekend sun exposure behaviours and personal received dose of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in Australian adults. Australian adults (n=1002) living in Townsville (19°S, 146°E), Brisbane (27°S, 153°E), Canberra (35°S, 149°E) and Hobart (43°S, 147°E) were recruited between 2009 and 2010. Data on sun exposure behaviours were collected by daily sun exposure dairies personal UVR exposure was measured with a polysulphone dosimeter. Meteorological data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology ambient UVR levels were estimated using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument data. Higher daily maximum temperatures were associated with reduced likelihood of wearing a long-sleeved shirt or wearing long trousers in Canberra and Hobart, and higher clothing-adjusted UVR dose in Canberra. Higher daily humidity was associated with less time spent outdoors in Canberra. Higher ambient UVR level was related to a greater clothing-adjusted personal UVR dose in Hobart and a greater likelihood of using sunscreen in Townsville. The current findings enhance our understanding of the impact of weather conditions on the population's sun exposure behaviours. This information will allow us to refine current predictive models for UVR-related diseases, and guide future health service and health promotion needs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-02-2019
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.13081
Abstract: The risk of keratinocyte skin cancer, malignant melanoma and ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced eye disease is disproportionately higher in Australia and New Zealand compared to equivalent northern hemisphere latitudes. While many teachers are aware of the importance of reinforcing sun safety messages to students, many may not be aware of the considerable personal exposure risk while performing outdoor duties in locations experiencing high to extreme ambient UVR year-round. Personal erythemally effective exposure of classroom teachers in tropical Townsville (19.3°S) was measured to establish seasonal extremes in exposure behavior. Mean daily personal exposure was higher in winter (91.2 J m
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2006
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAAD.2012.10.057
Abstract: Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally. Lifetime risk is associated with childhood sun exposure. We sought to investigate whether skin cancer prevention programs have resulted in improvements in sun-exposure and sun-protection behavior among young children in tropical Australia. Two cohorts of 12-to 35-month-old children from Townsville, Australia, were compared: cohort 1 was recruited from hospital birth records (1991) and cohort 2 was recruited via local child-care centers (1999-2002). Children's phenotypic characteristics were assessed. Parents completed questionnaires detailing children's demographic characteristics, and sun-exposure and sun-protective practices. Although 1-year-old children from cohort 2 spent more time in the sun than those from cohort 1 (median 2.2 vs 2.8 h/d P = .002), a higher proportion almost always wore sunscreen and a swim-shirt year round. Although more 1-year-old children in cohort 2 had experienced a sunburn (35.5% vs 51.2% P = .007), both cohort 2 age groups experienced fewer hours of sun exposure to the back of the trunk (P < .001), were less likely to have been sunburned on the back/shoulders (age 1 year 34.8% vs 10.1% and age 2 years 52% vs 10.1% P < .001), and acquired fewer melanocytic nevi at these sites (P < .001). There was potential for socially desirable responses (information bias). Although duration of sun exposure in early childhood did not decrease during an 8-year period, reported use of personal sun protection did. The observed increase in popularity of swim-shirts and sunscreen between cohorts coincided with the development of significantly fewer melanocytic nevi in these children.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-12-2020
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1699952
Abstract: Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main environmental risk-factor for cancer of the skin. Sun-protective clothing provides a physical barrier that reduces the UVR dose reaching the skin and European and Australian standards for sun-protective clothing set minimum clothing coverage requirements. Body Surface Area Coverage by clothing (BSAC) is calculated by means of indirect or direct methods, which are laborious and do not support computer-based apparel design. To support the sun-safe specification and design of garments, parametric digital human models and protective clothing mesh covering the minimum Body Surface Area specified in AS/NZS 4399:2017, were created making use of MakeHuman v1.1.1 and Blender software. The Whole Body Surface Area (WBSA) and the BSAC were calculated employing code developed in Blender. Thus, different groups of subjects were analysed to explore BSAC. The method assists in the evaluation of exposed body areas in a wider spectrum of different occupations.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1039/C8PP00023A
Abstract: Tropical Ecuador presents a unique climate in which we study the relationship between the ambient levels of solar ultraviolet radiation and eye disease in the absence of a latitudinal gradient. The national distribution of surface ultraviolet, taking into account MODIS and OMI satellite observation of aerosol, ozone, surface albedo, local elevation and cloud fractions measured during 2011, was compared with the national pterygium (WHO ICD H11) and senile cataract (WHO ICD H25) incidence projected from the 2010 National Institute of Statistics and Census (Ecuador). Public Health Ministry projections for age categories 0 to 39, 40 to 59 and 60+ years were compared to surface ultraviolet irradiance data in 1040 parishes. Correlations drawn between modelled surface ultraviolet and eye disease incidence show a significant increase in both pterygium and senile cataract in the highest ambient exposure regions of the Pacific coast and western lowlands with incidence rates of 34.39 and 16.17 per 100 000 residents respectively. The lowest rates of incidence for pterygium (6.89 per 100 000) and senile cataract (2.90 per 100 000) were determined in high altitude sites and are attributed here to increased daily cloud fraction for parishes located in the Andean mountain range. The South American Andes experience the highest solar UV exposures on Earth and report frequent high incidence of keratinocyte cancer. Our results show the high Andes to be the location of the lowest eye disease incidence suggesting that both pterygium and senile cataract are the result of cumulative exposure to solar ultraviolet. These findings have clear implications for the agricultural workers and fishermen of the lowland districts of Ecuador, contrary to conventional understanding that greater risks are faced in locations of high altitude.
Publisher: Medical Journals Sweden AB
Date: 2019
Abstract: Keratinocyte cancer is the most common malignancy in Caucasians. The aim of this study was to investigate risk-factors responsible for development of keratinocyte cancer in Australia. A case-control study was conducted, including 112 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 95 cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 122 controls. Freckling during adolescence (SCC: odds ratio (OR) 1.04, p < 0.01 BCC: OR 1.05, p < 0.01), propensity to sunburn (SCC: OR 2.75, p = 0.01, BCC: OR 2.68 p = 0.01) and high cumulative sun-exposure (SCC: OR 2.43, p = 0.04 BCC: OR 2.36 p = 0.04) were independent risk-factors for both SCC and BCC. This study provides further evidence that a sun-sensitive phenotype and excessive sun-exposure during adulthood contribute to the risk of developing keratinocyte cancer. Wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirts, and sunscreen did not significantly reduce the risk of keratinocyte cancer in this study.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-11-2010
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-12-2022
DOI: 10.3390/CURRONCOL30010033
Abstract: Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of skin cancer. Sport is a fundamental part of Australasian culture, beginning in childhood, often with life-long participation. Participating in outdoor sports can contribute significantly to the lifetime ultraviolet radiation (UVR) dose in iduals receive and their risk of developing skin cancer. This systematic scoping review explores the use of sun-protection by outdoor sporting participants in Australasia and considers how sun-protection practices may be improved and better evaluated in the community. A search of electronic databases using the search strategy “sun protection” AND “sport” AND “Australia” yielded 17 studies published in English from January 1992 to August 2021. Study methods included using UV-dosimeters to measure in idual UVR-exposure remote estimates of clothing-adjusted UVR-exposure direct observation of sun-protection practices and self-reported sun-exposure and sun-protection. Despite 40 years of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ c aigns in Australia, the use of sun-protection in most outdoor sports is inadequate. The paucity of comparable data limited our analyses, demonstrating a need for standardized, objective evaluation tools. Such tools, if used across a range of sports, should inform the development of workable recommendations that sporting clubs could implement and adopt into policy, thus empowering them to better protect the health of their participants.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 07-08-2019
Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Date: 09-2008
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-07-2801
Abstract: The number of melanocytic nevi (MN) is an important risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. The present study further investigated the relationship between sun exposure, the incidence of MN, and the prevalence of large acquired MN (≥5 mm). A cohort of 479 preschool children born in Townsville, Australia was examined for MN in 1991 and a year later. Sun exposure was assessed by questionnaire. The erythemally effective dose of solar UV radiation was estimated from questionnaire data combined with local UV biometry. Almost all (97.7%) children had acquired new MN (median, 12), with a median incidence rate of 11.0 per year (interquartile range, 7.0-16.5). Total number of hours of sun exposure during follow-up (P = 0.034) and tendency to burn (P = 0.028) were independent risk factors for MN incidence. Sunburn experience during follow-up failed to reach significance when adjusted for tendency to burn. Lifetime number of sunburns (P & 0.001) and the severity of sunburns experienced during follow-up (P & 0.001) were significantly related to the presence of large acquired MN at follow-up. Reducing the total number of hours of sun exposure is particularly relevant in sun-sensitive children and may restrain the development of MN, whereas avoiding sunburn in young children might prevent large MN, subsequently reducing the risk of melanoma. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008 (9):2318–24)
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-02-2014
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWT446
Abstract: The Quantitative Assessment of Solar UV [ultraviolet] Exposure for Vitamin D Synthesis in Australian Adults (AusD) Study aimed to better define the relationship between sun exposure and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Cross-sectional data were collected between May 2009 and December 2010 from 1,002 participants aged 18-75 years in 4 Australian sites spanning 24° of latitude. Participants completed the following: 1) questionnaires on sun exposure, dietary vitamin D intake, and vitamin D supplementation 2) 10 days of personal ultraviolet radiation dosimetry 3) a sun exposure and physical activity diary and 4) clinical measurements and blood collection for 25(OH)D determination. Our multiple regression model described 40% of the variance in 25(OH)D concentration modifiable behavioral factors contributed 52% of the explained variance, and environmental and demographic or constitutional variables contributed 38% and 10%, respectively. The amount of skin exposed was the single strongest contributor to the explained variance (27%), followed by location (20%), season (17%), personal ultraviolet radiation exposure (8%), vitamin D supplementation (7%), body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)(2)) (4%), and physical activity (4%). Modifiable behavioral factors strongly influence serum 25(OH)D concentrations in Australian adults. In addition, latitude was a strong determinant of the relative contribution of different behavioral factors.
Publisher: Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.
Date: 2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-1097.2011.00941.X
Abstract: We measured serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels of ambulatory adults in tropical Australia to determine whether it is appropriate to continue promoting sun-safety in this population. In August 2006 (winter), self-administered questionnaires were completed by 145 Meals-on-Wheels volunteers (49.3% male mean age 57.8 ± 14.7 years 76.6% response) from Townsville, Queensland (Latitude 19(o) S). Serum 25(OH)D was analyzed using two common assays. Mean levels were 68.3 (SD ± 18.7 range 26-142) by DiaSorin Radioimmunoassay and 83.0 (SD ± 30.8 range 30-184) by DiaSorin Liaison® one. No participants were 25(OH)D deficient (<25 nmol L(-1)). Nine participants (6.2%) had 25(OH)D levels between 25 and 50 nmol L(-1) (insufficient), by both methods (seven with a BMI ≥ 25). Twenty-eight participants (19.3%) had one result in the insufficient range and the other in the adequate range. Thus, almost all of these free-living adults in tropical Australia had adequate vitamin D levels at the end of winter. There was poor agreement between the two 25(OH)D assays. These results suggest it is appropriate to continue promoting sun-safe messages to the ambulatory Caucasian adult population of North Queensland, which has an extremely high incidence of skin cancer. The lack of agreement between the two assays is a concern. Few doctors are aware of this measurement issue.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1999
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOBIOL.2016.02.018
Abstract: Classroom teachers located in Queensland, Australia are exposed to high levels of ambient solar ultraviolet as part of the occupational requirement to provide supervision of children during lunch and break times. We investigated the relationship between periods of outdoor occupational radiant exposure and available ambient solar radiation across different teaching classifications and schools relative to the daily occupational solar ultraviolet radiation (HICNIRP) protection standard of 30J/m(2). Self-reported daily sun exposure habits (n=480) and personal radiant exposures were monitored using calibrated polysulphone dosimeters (n=474) in 57 teaching staff from 6 different schools located in tropical north and southern Queensland. Daily radiant exposure patterns among teaching groups were compared to the ambient UV-Index. Personal sun exposures were stratified among teaching classifications, school location, school ownership (government vs non-government), and type (primary vs secondary). Median daily radiant exposures were 15J/m(2) and 5J/m(2)HICNIRP for schools located in northern and southern Queensland respectively. Of the 474 analyzed dosimeter-days, 23.0% were found to exceed the solar radiation protection standard, with the highest prevalence found among physical education teachers (57.4% dosimeter-days), followed by teacher aides (22.6% dosimeter-days) and classroom teachers (18.1% dosimeter-days). In Queensland, peak outdoor exposure times of teaching staff correspond with periods of extreme UV-Index. The daily occupational HICNIRP radiant exposure standard was exceeded in all schools and in all teaching classifications.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2010
Abstract: The use of vitamin D testing has grown rapidly in the recent times as a result of increased interest in the role of vitamin D in health. Although the generally accepted measure of vitamin D status is circulating 25(OH)D concentration, there is little consensus on which assay method should be used. Commonly used assays include competitive protein-binding assay, RIA, enzyme immunoassay, chemiluminescence immunoassays, HPLC, and LC-MS/MS, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, there is significant interassay and interlaboratory variability in measurements. Our simulation of the published data showed that using a deficiency cut-point of 50 nmol/L, 57% of s les assessed using a chemiluminescence immunoassay were classified as deficient compared with 41% of s les assessed using LC-MS/MS a 20% misclassification rate. Similar rates of misclassification were seen at 75 nmol/L. This has implications for clinical practice and decision limits for vitamin D supplementation, suggesting that cut-points should be assay specific rather than universal and that greater harmonization between laboratories is required. Newer assays using alternative biological s les to determine the circulating 25(OH)D have been proposed and advances in the genetics of vitamin D and the role of vitamin D-binding protein may improve future assay accuracy.
Publisher: Figshare
Date: 2016
Publisher: Figshare
Date: 2016
Publisher: Figshare
Date: 2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-08-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.TMAID.2004.06.004
Abstract: Little is known about the travel health advice obtained by tourists travelling to Magnetic Island, which is a known risk area for the potentially fatal 'Irukandji' jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef coast of north Queensland, Australia. Structured interviews were conducted with 208 ferry passengers (93% response) travelling between Townsville (Latitude 19 degrees S) and Magnetic Island. Less than half of the international tourists (21, 46%) had obtained travel health advice before coming to north Queensland, although they were significantly more likely to have done so than domestic tourists (p<0.001). Travel health advice obtained by international tourists was sourced mainly from their general practitioner (8, 50%) or from a guidebook (6, 38%). Eighty-eight percent of north Queensland residents, 70% of domestic tourists, and 34% of international tourists knew what an Irukandji jellyfish was (p<0.001), although this was not associated with having obtained travel health advice. For those passengers returning from the Island, 8 (44%) domestic tourists and 4 (35%) international tourists recalled seeing some information on the Island that improved their knowledge about Irukandji jellyfish. Most of the international tourists travelled to north Queensland by bus (30, 65%), while most domestic tourists arrived by private car (12, 40%) or plane (10, 33%). Only a small proportion of international tourists knew about Irukandji jellyfish and most tourists had not received travel health advice. The majority of tourists had not received further information about Irukandji jellyfish risk whilst on the island. All travellers to popular north Queensland tourist areas need travel health advice, which includes advice on avoiding contact with Irukandji and Chironex box jellyfish. Health promotion c aigns directed at providing this advice need to be aware that most tourists to north Queensland arrive by bus or car and the only 'shared' vehicle, at least to Magnetic Island, is the passenger ferry.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-01-2023
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.13773
Abstract: Skin cancer, the most prevalent cancer in Caucasians residing at low latitudes, can primarily be prevented by avoiding overexposure to sunlight. Serial cross‐sectional observations were conducted at an outdoor motorsport event held in Townsville, Queensland each July (Southern winter) to determine whether sun‐protection habits changed over time. Most (71.1%) of the 1337 attendees observed (97.6% lightly pigmented skin, 64.0% male) wore a hat (any style shading the face), while few (18.5%) wore three‐quarter or full‐length sleeves. While hat‐wearing rates (any style) were similar in 2009 (326, 72.6%) and 2013 (625, 70.4%), the use of sun‐protective styles (wide‐brimmed/bucket/legionnaires) decreased from 29.2% to 18.6% over the same period, primarily because the use of sun‐protective hats halved (from 28.7% to 14.0%) among females, while decreasing from 29.4% to 21.1% in males. Although relatively few in iduals wore sun‐protective (three‐quarter‐length or full‐length) sleeves regardless of year (OR = 0.117, P 0.0001), encouragingly, the use of sun‐protective sleeves more than doubled between 2009 (10.5%) and 2013 (22.5%). Interestingly females, albeit the minority, at this sporting event were less likely to wear a hat (OR = 0.473, P 0.0001) than males. These findings highlight the need for continued momentum toward skin cancer primary prevention through sun protection with a dedicated focus on outdoor sporting settings.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/PHP.13011
Abstract: Melanoma skin cancer rates in Queensland exceed the national Australian incidence rate, which together with New Zealand are recognized as the world's highest. Incidence is especially high among younger members of the population. In this study, the sun-protective behaviors of urban Queenslanders (n = 752) going about their day-to-day activities during a midweek noon time hourly period were observed on a summer's day in central Brisbane (27.47°S, 153.03°E), Australia. Observed sun protection practices were poor, given the time of year and peak solar noon period of the study. More in iduals (n = 249 33.1%) were seen wearing sunglasses than a hat (n = 101 13.4%). Ninety-three in iduals were actively engaging with mobile phones (phone in hand). A further 231 in iduals (30.7%) were observed with a mobile phone on them. Opportunities to modify group behavior based on mobile phone sun protection notifications and to engage with "at risk" members of the Queensland population are considered from the variable codependencies examined in this study, including the influence of social group size, observed sun protection and mobile phone use. Our preliminary findings suggest that mobile phones provide an underutilized opportunity for delivering tailored skin cancer prevention messaging.
Start Date: 2018
End Date: 2018
Funder: Advance Queensland
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2008
End Date: 2010
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2012
End Date: 2015
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded Activity