A survey-based comparison of sun safety practices in a representative cohort of the general public versus attendees of skin cancer screenings

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. AB13
Author(s):  
Lori Fischbach ◽  
Mohammed F Faramawi ◽  
Deborah Girard ◽  
Susan Thapa ◽  
Robin Travers

Abstract Background We tested an educational video in cosmetology schools to increase students’ knowledge about skin cancer, sun-safety practices, identifying suspicious lesions and recommending clients consult a dermatologist when a suspicious lesion is observed. Methods We used a cluster-randomized controlled study design to randomize 22 cosmetology schools to receive our educational video or a publicly accessible healthy lifestyle video (control). Results Students who received the intervention were more likely than controls to increase their knowledge of skin cancer, risk factors and how to identify potential skin cancers (risk ratio [RR] and 95% confidence interval = 2.86 [1.58–5.20]). At follow-up, students in the intervention group were more likely than those in the control group to look for suspicious moles on their clients’ faces, scalps and necks (RRs = 1.75, 2.16 and 2.90, respectively). Additionally, students in the intervention group were more likely to communicate with clients about sun-safety practices (RR = 1.74 [1.11–2.73]) and consulting a dermatologist about suspicious moles (RR = 1.57 [1.03–2.41]). Conclusions Our educational video helped cosmetology students recognize potential skin cancers and talk with clients about sun safety and consulting a dermatologist about suspicious moles. Such videos may play a role in the public health surveillance of skin cancers in communities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charmaine D’Souza ◽  
Nikitha Kramadhari ◽  
Elizabeth Skalkos ◽  
Tegan Dutton ◽  
Jannine Bailey

Abstract Background Rates of skin cancer in Australia are amongst the highest in the world, with Western New South Wales (NSW) exhibiting very high prevalence. There is a large proportion of outdoor workers, including farmers, in Western NSW who have high levels of sun exposure and hence are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Aims To characterise the current sun safety practices of farmers in Western NSW and explore their knowledge, attitudes and perceived barriers towards sun safety and its implementation. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a self-directed questionnaire. Participants were recruited at field days held in Western NSW and through surveys distributed at general practices, local stores and online. Eligibility criteria were aged 18 years and over and currently working on a farm in the study region. Results Of the 144 participants, 89 (61.8%) were male with a mean age of 49 years. Knowledge of sun safety was relatively high with most questions answered correctly by greater than 80% of participants. Risk of developing skin cancer was underestimated in 58 (40.3%) participants. Of all participants, 89 (62.2%) identified one or more barriers to practicing sun safety. The most common barrier was forgetfulness in 62 (43.4%) participants. The identification of barriers was significantly associated with reduced engagement of sun safety practices (p = 0.009). Conclusions Knowledge of sun safety among farmers was high. There was, however, underestimation of risk of developing skin cancer. Addressing perceived barriers to implementing sun safety could improve sun safety practices in this cohort.


2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. e288-e290
Author(s):  
Darren Mays ◽  
Kirsten B. Hawkins ◽  
Vida L. Tyc ◽  
Michael B. Atkins ◽  
Kenneth P. Tercyak

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rowan Drittij ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider

Sun protection among children is of utmost importance since sunburn in early life is a major risk factor for skin cancer development. Because parents play a vital role in enhancing sun safety among children, this study explored parental perceptions concerning sun exposure, sun protection behaviors, and sunburn in children. Additionally, the context in which children experience sunburn in order to assist the development, optimization, and targeting of sun safety interventions for parents is revealed.A qualitative study design, using a semi-structured interview guide addressing several themes (e.g. sun exposure, sun protection, and sunburn experiences), was used. Data were collected in the Netherlands in the fall of 2019. Parents were recruited via purposive sampling at schools, youth services centers, and social media. In total, 26 interviews were performed. Execution, transcription, and coding of the interviews was done by two researchers, using the qualitative analyzing program Nvivo (interrater reliability of d =.84). Comprehensive findings concerning various themes were retrieved. It was found that sunburn was frequently prevalent among children, even though all parents reported using at least one sun protection measure. Parents were often unaware of their child’s sunburn and its severity. Regarding sun protection measures, parents demonstrated an overreliance on sunscreen, often failing to adequately protect their children’s skin. Water-related activities, a lack of shade, and lack of knowledge regarding UV-index were often related to sunburn. Moreover, unexpected sun exposure or longer exposure duration than initially planned were reported as challenging situations. The majority of parents had positive perceptions regarding tanned skin for both themselves as for children.This study provides directions for future skin cancer prevention efforts targeted at both parents and their children. Since a lack of knowledge regarding sufficient sun protection measures and sunburn occurrence in various situations was reported, educational efforts are warranted. Additionally, focusing on clothing, shade-seeking, and adequate sunscreen use is recommended to increase children’s sun safety. By intervening in the physical environment as well (e.g. providing shady areas), sun protection barriers can be reduced. Lastly, the general positive attitude toward tanned skin evident in this study is certainly worthy of attention in future interventions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider

Background: Adequate sun safety during childhood is crucial for decreasing skin cancer risk in later life. Although parents are an essential target group in applying sun protection measures for their children, interventions are often not directed at parents. This study identifies the most relevant determinants in predicting parental sun protection intentions and behaviors to provide guidance for future intervention development.Methods: A longitudinal survey study with two measurements was conducted among Dutch parents (N=670) of children (4-12 years old). Twenty-seven socio-cognitive determinants were examined in terms of relevance regarding four parental sun protection behaviors in different sun exposure situations. The CIBER approach was used to visualize room for improvement (sample means) on all determinants and their association strengths (correlations) with sun protection intentions and behaviors.Results: Behavior-specific rather than generic determinants were most relevant in explaining all sun protection behaviors. Of these determinants, attitude, self-efficacy and action planning, and especially parental feelings of difficulty in performing sun protection behaviors, were most relevant. Altogether, the explained variance of all socio-cognitive determinants was highest for shade-seeking behavior (R2= .41 and .43) and lowest for supportive behavior (R2=.19 and .29) in both planned and incidental sun exposure situations respectively.Discussion: This study provides detailed insight into relevant socio-cognitive determinants of parental sun protection behaviors in various sun exposure situations. This insight provides guidance for composing parental skin cancer prevention interventions. Future composition of sun safety interventions should emphasize on enhancing parental feelings of self-efficacy, especially for shade-seeking and clothing behaviors.


2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110104
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider

Background Adequate sun safety during childhood is crucial for decreasing skin cancer risk in later life. Although parents are an essential target group in applying sun protection measures for their children, insight into the determinants associated with their sun protection behaviors is limited. Aims This study aims to identify the most relevant determinants in predicting multiple parental sun protection intentions and behaviors in different sun exposure situations. Method A longitudinal survey study with two measurements was conducted among Dutch parents ( N = 670) of children (4–12 years old). Twenty-seven sociocognitive determinants were examined in terms of relevance regarding four parental sun protection behaviors in different sun exposure situations. The Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance approach was used to visualize room for improvement (sample means) on all determinants and their association strengths (correlations) with sun protection intentions and behaviors. Results Behavior-specific rather than generic determinants were most relevant in explaining all sun protection behaviors. Of these determinants, attitude, self-efficacy and action planning, and especially parental feelings of difficulty in performing sun protection behaviors, were most relevant. Altogether, the explained variance of all sociocognitive determinants was highest for shade-seeking behavior ( R2 = .41 and .43) and lowest for supportive behavior ( R2 = .19 and .29) in both planned and incidental sun exposure situations, respectively. Discussion This study provides detailed insight into relevant sociocognitive determinants of parental sun protection behaviors in various sun exposure situations and directions for composing parental skin cancer prevention interventions. Conclusions Future composition of sun safety interventions should emphasize on enhancing parental feelings of self-efficacy, especially for shade-seeking and clothing behaviors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 202-204
Author(s):  
Amy Noakes

Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, and it has been suggested that most cases of melanoma could be prevented with greater understanding of sun damage and protection. Amy Noakes explains the vital role of sunscreen


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Merten ◽  
Ashley Dedrick ◽  
Jessica King

BACKGROUND Skin cancer rates are rising in the United State yet screening rates remain low. Meanwhile, social media has evolved to become a primary sources of health information with 40% of daily users of Pinterest reporting the platform as a “go-to” source. OBJECTIVE To examine how skin cancer screenings were portrayed on Pinterest. METHODS Using the search terms “skin cancer screening” and “skin cancer exam, researchers sampled every fifth pin to collect 274 relevant pins. Two researchers coded pins and interrater agreement was established at 94%. RESULTS Of the sample, twenty-two percent depicted skin cancer screening in a negative way yet 41.5% noted that early detection leads to better outcomes. The pins were geared toward younger, white, women with minimal depiction of people of color. Few pins included comprehensive information about skin cancer risk factors, importance of routine self-screenings, or what to expect with a medical provider. Fifty-eight percent of pins included links to personal blogs. CONCLUSIONS Social media has become a powerful source of health information yet much of the posted information is incomplete. These findings present public health experts with an opportunity to disseminate more comprehensive skin cancer screening information on social media. CLINICALTRIAL NA


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