Sun avoidance practices among non-Hispanic white Californians

This study measures self-reported sun avoidance practices, use of protectiv e clothing, and use of sunscreen among 4,749 non-Hispanic white adults livi ng in households in California. Data are from the California Behavioral Ris k Factor Survey, a population-based telephone survey of health behaviors an d attitudes. The average: respondent spent at least 15 minutes in the sun o n 21.4 days out of the last 30 days. Regular use of protective clothing was reported by 30.7%, regular use of sunscreen by 22.2%, and regular sun avoi dance by 17.1% of the respondents. Results varied by month, gender, skin to ne, age, education, and presence of children in the household: Health strat egies should target younger adults (especially men), households with childr en and adults with less than a high school education. Because of relatively low rates of sun avoidance behaviors overall, a general population campaig n also is warranted.