Risk Perception Plays Minimal Role in Sun Exposure Behaviours.

Despite decades of public health campaigns, tanning and sunburn still occur at unacceptably high rates. Skin cancer prevention campaigns predominately focus on increasing awareness of the risk of excessive sun exposure. This study sought to assess the efficacy of this approach, by interrogating correlations between risk perception and sun exposure behaviour. A 31-item questionnaire assessing skin cancer risk factors, tanning attitudes, sunburn and tanning behaviour was undertaken by individuals who attended a workplace skin check. Validated questions were included to assess cognitive and affective risk perception and to frame risk as absolute, comparative and conditional. One hundred sixty-seven respondents completed the questionnaire. No aspects of risk perception (absolute cognitive, affective or conditional) significantly correlated with protective sun exposure behaviour, with the exception of perceived comparative severity of skin cancer. Instead, positive tanning attitudes were far more significantly correlated with sun exposure behaviour. Actual risk and risk perception have very limited impact on sun exposure behaviour. Instead, sun exposure behaviour was significantly linked with positive tanning attitudes. It is suggested, therefore, that campaigns focussing solely on education regarding risk factors appear to have been ineffective in behaviour mitigation, and innovative approaches, aimed at influencing tanning norms, might complement the existing educational campaigns.

Parkinson's disease in general practice: assessing knowledge, confidence and the potential role of education.

In the context of an ageing population, Australian general practitioners (GPs) will be asked increasingly to manage challenging neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD). This study sought to evaluate whether Australian GPs have been provided with sufficient training to effectively diagnose and manage PD, and to determine the extent to which a brief training seminar could improve knowledge and increase confidence. A baseline assessment was completed by 168 GPs in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, and was re-administered following an educational seminar to 105 GPs. Australian GPs demonstrated significant knowledge gaps on the baseline assessment, scoring only 50% (standard deviation [SD] 15.5%). Post-seminar results showed significant improvement (p<0.001) to 71.5% (SD 15%). Although following the seminar the vast majority reported increased confidence, there were some differential benefits between metropolitan and regional practitioners. These findings emphasise the need for continuing education in relation to PD in primary health care.