Sun protective behaviors and vitamin D levels in the US population: NHANES 2003-2006.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sun protection is recommended for skin cancer prevention, yet little is known about the role of sun protection on vitamin D levels. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between different types of sun protective behaviors and serum 25(OH)D levels in the general US population.

Methods

Cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of 5,920 adults aged 18-60 years in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006. We analyzed questionnaire responses on sun protective behaviors: staying in the shade, wearing long sleeves, wearing a hat, using sunscreen and SPF level. Analyses were adjusted for multiple confounders of 25(OH)D levels and stratified by race. Our primary outcome measures were serum 25(OH)D levels (ng/ml) measured by radioimmun

SUBMITTER: Linos E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3718293 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature