Observed use of sunglasses in public outdoor settings around melbourne, Australia: 1993 to 2002.

Abstract

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..