Who uses sunscreen? A Comparison of the use of sunscreen with the use of prescribed pharmaceuticals

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme provides substantial subsidies for prescribed pharmaceuticals for all Australians, but particularly for health benefit card holders. There are, however, a number of nonprescription items, including sunscreen, that are used to prevent illness, but are not subsidised by the scheme.
This study analyses data from the 1989-90 national health survey to determine whether there is a difference in the pattern of use of
prescribed medication and the use of sunscreen. It examines whether the lack of subsidy for sunscreen may be related to its low use within low income groups. In addition, it also examines which groups are least likely to protect themselves from the sun, and whether groups that might expect to have the greatest sun exposure are more or less likely to use sunscreen or some other form of sun protection.