Prevalence of Sun Protection at Outdoor Recreation and Leisure Venues at Resorts in North America

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Abstract
Background: Exposure to solar ultra violet radiation (UVR) is a primary risk factor for skin cancer. Vacationers often fail to protect themselves from harmful UVR. Purpose: The study assessed the sun protection practices of resort guests in various outdoor leisure and recreation venues during warm-weather seasons. Method: Forty-one North American resorts were enrolled in a quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial. Adult guests were observed (n = 4 091) and surveyed (n = 3 694) in a cross-sectional sample. Data collection was conducted in recreation and leisure venues with outdoors commons/reception areas acting as the comparison condition. Results: The mean percentage of vacationers at pools and beaches were more likely (P < .001) to wear sunscreen than in commons areas but less likely (P < .001) to wear coverup clothing or use shade. In both samples, the combined sun protection scores were higher in commons areas compared to all venues except for outdoor dining (P < .001). Discussion: Sun safety was suboptimal in all venues and was potentially mitigated by venue type. Translation to Health Education Practice: Approaches are needed to encourage vacationers to practice comprehensive sun protection and to work with resorts to construct built environments that facilitate rather than act as barriers to sun safety.
Funding Information
  • National Cancer Institute (CA152411)

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