Protective Measures for Sun Safety

Figure A. Adults who have been sunburned in the last 12 months, KFL&A

Table A.  Adults who have been sunburned in the last 12 months, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure A

Over the period 2002 to 2012, 38.2% (37.1, 39.2) of adult residents, 18 years and over, in KFL&A had a sunburn in the past 12 months.  There are no significant differences from 2002 to 2012 in proportions of adults who have had sunburns.

Figure B.  Frequency that adults avoided being in the sun between 11am and 4pm, KFL&A

Table B.  Frequency that adults avoided being in the sun between 11am and 4pm, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure B

About a third of KFL&A residents, 18 years and over, rarely or never avoided being in the sun between 11 am and 4 pm.  There were no significant differences from 2002 to 2012 in the proportion of adults who rarely or never avoided being in the sun between 11 am and 4 pm.

Figure C.  Frequency that adults wore sunglasses with UV (ultra violet) protection when in the sun, KFL&A

Table C. Frequency that adults wore sunglasses with UV (ultra violet) protection when in the sun, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure C

One fifth of KFL&A residents, 18 years and over, rarely or never wore sunglasses with UV protection when in the sun.  There were no significant increasing or decreasing trends from 2002 to 2012 in the proportion of adults who rarely or never wear sunglasses with UV protection when in the sun.

Figure D.  Frequency that adults wore protective clothing, including a hat, when in the sun, KFL&A

Table D.  Frequency that adults wore protective clothing, including a hat, when in the sun, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure D

Almost one third of KFL&A residents, 18 years and over rarely or never wore protective clothing when in the sun.  There were no significant increasing or decreasing trends from 2002 to 2012 in the proportion of adults who rarely or never wore protective clothing when in the sun.

Figure E.  Frequency that adults used sunscreen, KFL&A

Table E.  Frequency that adults used sunscreen, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)

Interpretation for Figure E

More than one third of KFL&A residents, 18 years and over, rarely or never used sunscreen in KFL&A.  There were no significant increasing or decreasing trends from 2002 to 2012 in the proportion of adults who rarely or never used sunscreen in KFL&A, by year.

Figure F.  Adults who always or often used least at least one sun protection method when in the sun, KFL&A*

*protection methods can include avoiding the sun, wearing sunglasses or protective clothing, or using sunscreen

Table F. Adults who always or often used at least one sun protection method when in the sun, KFL&A, % (95% Confidence Interval)*

*protection methods can include avoiding the sun, wearing sunglasses or protective clothing, or using sunscreen

Interpretation for Figure F

In KFL&A, 89.2% (88.2, 90.1) of adults, 18 years and over, always or often used at least one sun protection method when in the sun.

The Random Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) is a random-digit-dialed telephone survey of adults aged 18 years and over, conducted by the Institute for Social Research at York University, on behalf of KFL&A Public Health. 

Researchers look at the "confidence levels" of percentages being compared to decide if there is a statistically significant difference between percentages.   If the 95% confidence intervals of two estimates do not overlap, there is considered to be a significant difference between the estimates.  A statistically significant difference means that:

• the difference between two percentages is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone, and
• there is likely a true difference or change in the percentages.

In this report, 95% confidence intervals will accompany each percentage in all figures and tables.  The true or actual percentage falls within the 95% confidence interval range 95 times out of 100.  A wide confidence interval reflects a large amount of variability or imprecision.  Usually, the larger the sample size, the narrower the confidence intervals.  In tables, the 95% confidence intervals will be written with the percentage, followed by the 95% confidence interval range in brackets, e.g., 25.3% (12.3, 32.4).  In figures, the 95% confidence interval are represented by error bars at the top of each bar (column).

*Use with caution due to high variability of estimate as a result of small sample size

NR - not releasable due to small numbers.