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An overview analysis of the time people spend outdoors

Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Brian Diffey

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Abstract

P>Background An important factor in determining our exposure to sunlight, and the consequent impact on skin health and vitamin D status, is the time we spend outdoors. Objectives To determine estimates of the typical times per day spent outdoors during weekdays, weekends and holidays during a summer season. Methods A number of published studies giving data on the time per day spent outdoors by people were reviewed and a meta-analysis performed. From these data summary estimates of the average time per day outdoors were extracted. Results Time spent per day outdoors during weekdays and weekends is positively skewed, with a normal distribution of times outdoors during holidays. The median times per day outdoors during weekdays and weekends gave pooled estimates of 1 center dot 04 and 1 center dot 64 h, respectively. Corresponding values for the pooled estimates of mean times outdoors during these two periods were 1 center dot 43 and 2 center dot 38 h. The mean time per day outdoors during holiday exposure is 5-6 h. Conclusions Summer-long distribution of times spent outdoors on a daily basis exhibits a highly skewed nature that highlights the difference between our adventitious and recreational exposure. Over the course of a summer season, when people are outside, they spend on average of 1-2 h per day outdoors.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Diffey BL

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Journal of Dermatology

Year: 2011

Volume: 164

Issue: 4

Pages: 848-854

Print publication date: 04/04/2011

ISSN (print): 0007-0963

ISSN (electronic): 1365-2133

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10165.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.10165.x

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