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Sun Exposure over a Lifetime in Australian Adults from Latitudinally Diverse Regions

Lucas, Robyn M., Valery, Patricia C., van der Mei, Ingrid, Dwyer, Terence, Pender, Michael P., Taylor, Bruce, Ponsonby, Anne-Louise and The Ausimmune Investigator Group (2013). Sun Exposure over a Lifetime in Australian Adults from Latitudinally Diverse Regions. Photochemistry and Photobiology,89(3):737-744.

Document type: Journal Article

IRMA ID 11035xPUB24
Title Sun Exposure over a Lifetime in Australian Adults from Latitudinally Diverse Regions
Author Lucas, Robyn M.
Valery, Patricia C.
van der Mei, Ingrid
Dwyer, Terence
Pender, Michael P.
Taylor, Bruce
Ponsonby, Anne-Louise
The Ausimmune Investigator Group
Journal Name Photochemistry and Photobiology
Publication Date 2013
Volume Number 89
Issue Number 3
ISSN 0031-8655   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-84876809548
Start Page 737
End Page 744
Total Pages 8
Place of Publication United States
Publisher Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DIISR)
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.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/php.12044   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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Created: Thu, 07 Aug 2014, 16:55:49 CST