Abstract
Little is known about Australians’ practices regarding sunscreen re‐application, yet it is routinely advised and has recently been shown to increase the protective efficacy of sunscreens. A baseline survey of sunscreen application and re‐application behaviour was therefore conducted in a Queensland community using a standard self‐administered questionnaire. Other sun protection methods were also assessed. Of a total of 669 adult respondents, 76% reported using sunscreen and of those, 61% reported re‐applying sunscreen. Significantly more women (66%) than men (53%) reported re‐applying sunscreen and re‐application was inversely related to age (79% of those aged less than 45, 57% of those 45–59 years old and 46% of those over 60 years). Increased rates of re‐application were reported during times of increased sun exposure, as well as by those with greater knowledge of the benefits of sunscreen re‐application. A recent personal history of non‐melanoma skin cancer did not lead to improved rates of sunscreen application, sunscreen re‐application, or most forms of physical sun protection.