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

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 use of sunglasses were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: 36.2% of those observed wore sunglasses, and this increased only slightly over the years. Sunglasses use was most common among those observed on sunny days, in no or partial shade, in parks/gardens and at pools/beaches, less active people and people on their own or in pairs, people observed in higher socio-economic areas, females, people 20-50 years of age, and people wearing head and clothes cover.

Conclusion: Sunglasses use should be encouraged among the population in general and especially among golfers, tennis players, teenagers, males, and people in lower SES areas.