Teacher perceptions of sun protection practices in the secondary school setting: Barriers, enablers and recommendations for future

Nicholson, Anna; Hill, Jane; Walker, Heather; Heward, Sue; Dobbinson, Suzanne

doi:10.1002/hpja.273

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Demographic factors were more strongly associated with use of sun protective clothing and accessories than with shade cover. This may be because social norms surrounding clothing and accessories relate to fashion and social identity (Potente et al, 2011), while there may be weaker social norms for avoidance of shade which relate to pursuit of a suntan (Dobbinson et al, 2014; Nicholson et al, 2020). Shade use is also dependent on thermal comfort (as described in a socioecological model) and shade availability (Buller et al, 2016; Buller et al, 2017; Dobbinson et al, 2014; Nicholson et al, 2020; Potente et al, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Correlates of Observed Sun Protection Behaviors Across Different Public Outdoor Settings in Melbourne, Australia

et al. 2021

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Skin cancer prevention efforts in Australia have increasingly incorporated a focus on protection during incidental sun exposure. This complements the long-present messages promoting protection in high-risk settings and avoidance of acute intense bouts of sun exposure. Data from two waves of a cross-sectional direct observational survey was used to assess the prevalence and correlates of N = 12,083 adolescents’ and adults’ sun protection behavior (arm and leg cover, hat, sunglasses, and shade cover). Individuals were observed in public outdoor settings in Melbourne, Australia during peak ultraviolet (UV) times (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) on summer weekends. Settings included pools and beaches, parks and gardens, and for the first time in 2018, outdoor streets and cafés which may capture more incidental forms of sun exposure and represent another public setting where Australians commonly spend time outdoors. Females and older adults were consistently better protected than males and adolescents. Physical activity was strongly associated with low shade cover across settings. Weather was more strongly associated with sun protection at outdoor streets/cafes and parks/gardens than at pools/beaches but use of observed sun protection (particularly arm cover and covering hat) was low across settings. Continued public education about UV risk and its relation to weather and the seasons is needed to promote the routine use of multiple forms of sun protection during outdoor activities in peak UV times, especially among males and adolescents. Findings also highlight the importance of considering activity demands of public spaces in shade planning to optimize sun protection during outdoor activities in public spaces.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Correlates of Observed Sun Protection Behaviors Across Different Public Outdoor Settings in Melbourne, Australia

et al. 2021

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“…12,13 Educating preservice teachers (PSTs) while at university before they enter schools could be a potential opportunity to improve schools' approaches to sun protection across Australia by facilitating classroom teaching on the UV Index and modelling positive sun safe behaviours to students. 14,15 Anecdotal evidence from one previous study (n = 30) suggests that secondary 1 PST's knowledge about the UV Index is low. 16 However, primary 2 PST's current level of understanding of UV radiation and effective sun protective measures to protect themselves and young children is currently unknown.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating primary preservice teachers’ ultraviolet radiation awareness and perceived ability to teach sun safety

Scott

Johnston

Blane

et al. 2020

Health Prom J of Aust

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Issue addressed: Sun protection practices in Australian primary schools remain inconsistent. Therefore, this study investigates primary PSTs sun protective sun behaviours, ultraviolet (UV) radiation awareness and perceived ability to teach sun safety. Methods:A convenience sample of undergraduate PSTs (N = 275; mean age = 23.13 years) enrolled at one Western Australian university completed an online survey. Descriptive analyses provided features of the data. Factors associated with sun protection behaviours and perceived knowledge and skill to teach sun safety were explored using multivariable logistic regression models.Results: Lesser than 10% of participants reported using sun protective measures daily (midday shade use: 6.5%; sunscreen: 7.6%; hat: 4.4%). Only 56.3% reported they understand the UV index, with 68.0% rarely/never using it to aid sun protection. Under half the participants reported they felt they had the knowledge (38.5%) or skills (40%) to effectively teach sun safety in primary schools. Regression analysis revealed gender, undergraduate, year and skin sensitivity were not predictors of UV index use (P > .05) or perceived knowledge of sun safety (P > .05). Skin sensitivity was the strongest predictor for shade usage (P = .02), hat usage (P = .05) and perceived skill to teach sun safety (P = .02). Conclusions: Survey data indicate UV radiation is inconsistently understood by PSTs. Many felt that they did not have the required knowledge or skill to teach sun safety effectively.So what? Improving PSTs UV radiation knowledge while at university is a potential opportunity to improve sun safety delivery in primary schools. A targeted intervention for PSTs is warranted.

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“…Interestingly, PSTs reported no issue with wearing wide‐brimmed hats, long sleeves and sunscreen in school settings and all agreed that it was important that teachers model effective sun protection behaviours to their students. Teachers modelling sun safe behaviours has been shown to positively affect students' sun protection behaviours 33 . Many reported that this was the primary reason for wearing sun protection while in primary schools, rather than being conscious of reducing their own skin cancer risks.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A novel skin cancer prevention strategy: Preservice teachers' perceptions of a sun safety intervention and experiences in schools

Scott

Johnston

Darby

et al. 2022

Health Prom J of Aust

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Issue addressed Teachers play a vital role in developing children's sun protection routines however upskilling preservice teachers (PSTs) while at university has not yet been trialled as a targeted skin cancer prevention strategy. Hence, this study investigated PSTs perceptions and experiences of sun safety following a brief pilot intervention and placement in primary schools in Western Australia. Methods This study used a triangulation mixed methods design. Participants (n = 161) completed a post intervention survey which was analysed quantitatively. A random sub‐sample was invited to participate in focus groups (three groups, n = 21) and one‐on‐one interviews (n = 4). This data was transcribed and uploaded in NVIVO software for thematic analysis. Results Participants felt the intervention increased their awareness of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with many feeling more knowledgeable, skilled and confident to teach sun safety in school settings. Most reported clear sun safety messages in their placement schools. However, only 34.4% reported they had been briefed on the school's sun safety procedures. There was consensus among PSTs that sun protection in primary schools needs to be improved to maximise the protection of children from harmful UVR overexposure. Participants supported a need for consistent sun protection messaging across primary schools with greater emphasis on education rather than compliance management to sun protection. Conclusion Enhancing existing teacher education programs to include more rigorous curriculum content and pedagogical approaches to sun protection education is a novel skin cancer prevention strategy and could feasibly support PSTs self‐efficacy to effectively deliver sun safety curriculum in Australian schools.

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Teacher perceptions of sun protection practices in the secondary school setting: Barriers, enablers and recommendations for future

Cited by 7 publications

References 22 publications

Prevalence and Correlates of Observed Sun Protection Behaviors Across Different Public Outdoor Settings in Melbourne, Australia

Prevalence and Correlates of Observed Sun Protection Behaviors Across Different Public Outdoor Settings in Melbourne, Australia

Investigating primary preservice teachers’ ultraviolet radiation awareness and perceived ability to teach sun safety

A novel skin cancer prevention strategy: Preservice teachers' perceptions of a sun safety intervention and experiences in schools

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