Predictors of sunburn among Canadian adults.

Background: Data from the 1996 National Survey on Sun Exposure & Protective Behaviors (4,023 respondents) were analyzed to identify independent predictors of sunburn among adult Canadians.

Methods: Multivariate models predicting sunburn odds were developed using unconditional logistic regression. Backward elimination model selection was used to identify independent predictors of sunburn.

Results: Nonbehavioral characteristics found to predict sunburn were younger age, male sex, light skin color, nonblack hair color, and birthplace in North America or Europe. Behavioral predictors of sunburn included high awareness of the UV Index, working outdoors in the summer, longer leisure time in the sun, forgetfulness about protecting oneself from the sun, and seeking a tan. Sun avoidance between 11 AM and 4 PM was associated with lower odds of sunburn, while seeking shade when outside and use of protective clothing showed nonsignificant associations with lower sunburn odds. Sunscreen use was found to have a nonsignificant positive association with sunburn.

Conclusions: These findings highlight risk factors to be considered in the targeting of sunburn reduction strategies to high-risk groups and suggest that sun avoidance, seeking shade, and use of protective clothing may be effective in preventing sunburn.