Sun protection in children: a behavioural study

Abstract

Sun protection in children: a behavioural studyBackground: Incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide and UV exposure at a young age is an important risk factor. Objectives: To compare sun exposure-related knowledge and behaviour among children during school and holiday periods. Material & Methods: A crosssectional study was undertaken at 12 Oporto public primary schools. Educational sessions for educators were head by dermatologists every spring from 2004 to 2012. An educational activity book, Play and Learn with Jo Spots, was distributed to all primary school children and was explained by the educators every year. A questionnaire about sun exposure and behaviour was given to students in 2004 and 2012. Results: In total, 2,114 students answered the questionnaire (1,233 in 2004 and 881 in 2012). Children practiced more outdoor sports in 2012 than in 2004 (86% vs 56%; p<0.001), but spent less time outside when the sun's rays were most dangerous. The use of hats (64% vs 59%; p = 0.028) and sunscreen (35% vs 15%; p<0.001) at school and the application of sunscreen before going to the beach improved over time (51% vs 26% in 2004; p<0.001). However, there was an increase in sunburn rate (43% vs 37%; p = 0.005). Conclusion: Sun exposure-related behaviour among primary school students in Oporto is improving but is still far from optimal. School would appear to be an adequate setting for effective and long-lasting sun protection interventions, and the introduction of educational books at schools, such as Play and Learn with Jo Spots, might be effective in bringing about positive behavioural changes.

Sun‐protection and sun‐exposure habits among sailors: results of the 2018 world's largest sailing race Barcolana’ skin cancer prevention campaign

“…First, primary prevention aiming behavioural changes may be best introduced among children and adolescents Consequently, children attending sailing schools represent an important target group for behavioural changes in the future.…”

An E-Learning Environment for Influencing Children's Attitudes Toward Ultraviolet Protection

“…Validated questionnaires were used both to record UV attitudes and sun protective behaviors of primary school students (Ergul & Ozeren, 2011;Kubar & Hoffman, 1995;Saridi et al, 2012) and to record a change in knowledge, attitudes, and sun protective behaviors before and after an educational intervention aiming at higher knowledge and healthier attitudes and behaviors (Duarte et al, 2018;Geller, 2003;Hewitt et al, 2001;Rouhanni et al, 2009;Saridi et al 2014). The number of participants used for validation purposes was stated in four studies (Duarte et al, 2018;Ergul & Ozeren, 2011;Geller, 2003;Saridi et al, 2012;Saridi et al 2014) ranging from 50 participants (Duarte et al, 2018) to 1472 participants (Saridi et al 2014).…”

“…For instance, Duarte et al (2018) conducted a survey to compare primary school students' sun-related knowledge and behavior during school and holiday periods. A questionnaire about sun exposure and behavior was given to 2114 students after educational sessions were held with educators, and an educational activity book regarding sun exposure and protection was administered to all participants.…”

Children’s sunburn exposed: Identification of sun exposure and parental sun protection patterns

“…Two German studies among parents of very young children (3 to 6 years) revealed different parent-for-child sun protection behaviours: shade-seeking behaviour and wearing hats and sunglasses were applied more often in a beach setting than during everyday outdoor activities (48,49). Moreover, parental sun protection behaviours among older children vary across sun exposure situations (25,50,51), and their relationship with sunburn is largely undocumented. There is evidence that the more intense and intermittently received UVR, e.g.…”