Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Elementary School Students Regarding Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess baseline knowledge of skin cancer, sun protection practices, and perceptions of tanning among third through fifth grade elementary students in Florida. A total of 4,002 students in nineteen elementary schools in Palm Beach County, Florida were surveyed. SunSmart America curriculum pretest responses were the main outcome measures. Overall students' knowledge using a students' mean knowledge scale scores of skin cancer and sun protection were low (<40% of questions answered correctly) and was found to increase with increasing grade level (p < 0.01). Boys more frequently reported spending greater than 2 hours in the sun when compared with girls (p < 0.01). Girls, however, were more likely to try and get a tan most of the time or always when compared with boys (p = 0.02). Non-Hispanic White students (51.3%) more frequently reported use of SPF 15 or greater sunscreen "most of the time or always" compared with Hispanic (35.3%) and non-Hispanic Black (13.4%) students (p < 0.01). Elementary aged students in south Florida have limited knowledge about sun safety, despite spending considerable amount of time in the sun. Sun safe behavior is associated with gender and ethnicity. The findings provide empirical support for the need of a school-based educational intervention.

Protection from Ultraviolet Radiation during Childhood: The Parental Perspective in Bavaria

“…Previous studies investigated sun-protection behavior of children during beach holidays [18,19,20,21] or in everyday circumstances [22], but only one previous study compared sun-protection activities between these settings [23]. In this German study from the beginning of the century, the data showed that—except for clothing habits—parents chose more frequently a higher level of sun protection for their children on the beach than in an everyday outdoor setting.…”

Public (Skin) Health perspectives of gender differences in tanning habits and sun protective behaviour: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey

“…Participants' knowledge of important skin health facts including indoor and outdoor UV light exposure, skin cancer, sun screen, risks of sun tanning was tested with a quiz comprising of nine true-false questions retrieved and adapted from literature [15,16]. Correct responses to these nine items were summed up for generating the covariate "knowledge score".…”

Tanning and Teens: Is Indoor Exposure the Tip of the Iceberg?

“…Such items may include seeking outdoor exposure or avoiding sun protection strategies in order to achieve a tan. In a systematic review of intentional tanning among adolescents in the United States (42), almost all studies (12 of 14) presented data on adolescent IT but not OT; one study presented data on both indoor tanning and sunbathing among adolescent males (43), and one study reported data on whether participants “try to get a tan” (44). Inclusion of OT in national surveys and other population-based studies will allow us to track whether reductions in IT, which will hopefully continue, are resulting in increases in OT as a consequence.…”