The SunWise Policy Intervention for School-Based Sun Protection: A Pilot Study

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen M. Emmons ◽  
Alan C. Geller ◽  
Vish Viswanath ◽  
Linda Rutsch ◽  
Jodie Zwirn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Health Educators ◽  
School Based ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Sun Protection Practices

Skin cancer is highly preventable, but clearly there is a critical need to focus on better ways to disseminate information about known skin cancer prevention. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SunWise Program is one channel for reaching children, teachers, and school nurses. In a pilot study designed to increase adoption of school-based sun protection policies, 28 schools were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Control, which included the EPA’s original SunWise curriculum toolkit; SunWise Policy, which included a revised toolkit emphasizing policy; and SunWise Policy plus Technical Assistance, which included the policy toolkit and 3 technical assistance phone calls. The enhanced SunWise Policy plus Technical Assistance intervention led to more new sun protection policies. Use of study interventions for improving sun protection practices such as policy toolkits or brief counseling can be easily interwoven into school hours by school nurses and other health educators.

Factors Associated with Skin Cancer Prevention Practices in a Multiethnic Population

1999 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Glanz ◽  
Robert A. Lew ◽  
Valerie Song ◽  
Valerie Ah Cook
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Multiethnic Population ◽  
Sun Protection Practices ◽  
Multiethnic Sample

A better understanding of factors influencing sun protection practices can improve the design and evaluation of skin cancer prevention programs. These data are from a cross-sectional survey of 756 parents with children in Grades 1 through 3, and 176 recreation program staff members in a multiethnic population in Hawaii. Questionnaires asked about skin cancer prevention practices (sunscreen use, covering up, shade seeking), knowledge, benefits and barriers, policies, and staff norms for prevention. The most important correlates of children’s prevention practices were their parents’ sun protection habits. Multiple regression models—which included knowledge, beliefs, program policies, and covariates related to sun protection—explained a total of between 38% and 41% of the variance in children’s sun safety habits, 22% to 25% of parents’habits, and 24% of recreation staff members’sun safety habits. The models were less successful at predicting the use of hats, shirts, and shade seeking and a composite sun protection habits index. Parents and caregivers’knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors, as well as recreation program policies, are strong predictors of sun protection practices among children in Grades 1 to 3 in a multiethnic sample.

scholarly journals Results of a Primary Skin-Cancer-Prevention Campaign in Early Childhood on Sun-Related Knowledge and Attitudes in Southern Hungary

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3873
Author(s):  
Zsuzsanna Horváth ◽  
Csernus A. Evelin ◽  
Péter Oláh ◽  
Rolland Gyulai ◽  
Zsuzsanna Lengyel
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Daycare Centers ◽  
Prevention Campaign ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Sun Protection Practices

Avoidance of ultraviolet (UV) exposure in early childhood is important for reducing the lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. The goal of the present prospective, multicenter pilot study was to assess the sun-protection practices in kindergartens and daycare centers and to evaluate sun protection knowledge and behavior among caregivers employed in the surveyed facilities. The study consisted of two parts. A baseline questionnaire was completed by the caregivers in relation to knowledge regarding basic sun protection and sun protection practices of the participating facilities. Afterward, a thirty-minute presentation was hosted in reference to this topic. Six months following the presentation, a follow-up questionnaire was distributed among the caregivers, evaluating the attitude-related and behavioral changes towards children. A total of 153 caregivers from five daycare centers (children between 6 months and 3 years of age) and sixteen kindergartens (children between 3 and 7 years of age) willfully participated in our study. According to our results, the main source of information regarding sun protection originated from different types of media. We found that staying in shaded areas and the use of protective clothing were not frequent in the facilities. Following our presentation regarding skin types and sunscreen use, protective measures improved, but not significantly (p = 0.222). The majority (92.31%) of caregivers distributed the information throughout their environment and also to parents. Sun protection knowledge is necessary; however, motivation among caregivers and parents and involvement of children is also relevant. Hence, a continuous, repetitive educational program regarding sun-smart behavior is deemed essential.

A qualitative exploration of parental perceptions regarding children’s sun exposure, sun protection, and sunburn

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rowan Drittij ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Parental Perceptions ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Protection Measure ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

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.

Identification of socio-cognitive determinants of parental sun protection behaviors to optimize intervention development

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
Cognitive Determinants

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.

Skin cancer and sun protection practices in Fanconi anemia patients: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenna L. Ruggiero ◽  
Rebecca Freese ◽  
Kristen P. Hook ◽  
Ingrid C. Polcari ◽  
Sheilagh M. Maguiness ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Fanconi Anemia ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sun Protection Practices

scholarly journals Identification of Relevant Sociocognitive Determinants Explaining Multiple Parental Sun Protection Behaviors

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110104
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Insight Into

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.

Development of a Skin Cancer Prevention Program

2003 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Hatmaker
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Premature Aging ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Ultraviolet Rays ◽  
Cancer Prevention Program

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now categorizes skin cancer as epidemic. Nearly 90% of these deadly cancers start from sun exposure during the childhood years. This makes sun exposure in school-age children a serious public health risk, also one that school nurses can address. Solar radiation is now classified as a “known human carcinogen,” with ultraviolet rays joining the ranks of other known cancer-causing elements such as tobacco, arsenic, and radon. Sun exposure to unprotected skin results in painful burns, premature aging, cataracts, and weakened immune systems. School nurses can use the new CDC guidelines along with other local and state resources to develop a specific skin cancer prevention program for their schools. They are in a pivotal position to partner with students, parents, administrators, teachers, and coaches to reduce the occurrence of skin cancer in children. The article describes one high school’s skin cancer prevention project.

Skin Cancer Prevention for Children: A Critical Review

1999 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Buller ◽  
Ron Borland
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Positive Correlations

Increasing sun protection for children may reduce their risk for skin cancer, so many health authorities recommend comprehensive sun safety for children. Sun protection of children in North America and Europe is generally lower than desired and lower than in Australia. This article provides a critical reviewof evaluations on the effects of 24 sun protection programs for children under age 14. Programs are classified based on the target population, setting, and features. Most programs improved sun safety knowledge, but changes in sun protection attitude and behaviors were smaller. Multiunit presentations were more effective than short-duration presentations. Peer education was effective but needs further evaluation. Some programs for parents have been shown to increase sun protection for children. Strategies to improve sun safety policies need further study. A few community-wide programs have effectively improved sun protection. Future research should address innovative strategies and issues of design and measurement. There is no gold standard for measuring sun protection behavior, but self-report, prospective diaries, and observational techniques show small positive correlations.

Fighting Skin Cancer With a Musical Sound

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Potente ◽  
Vanessa Rock ◽  
Jacqueline McIver ◽  
Melinda Williams ◽  
Christopher Magee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Media Campaigns ◽  
Social Marketing Campaign ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Media ◽  
Key Barrier

Australian youth have good knowledge about skin cancer prevention as a result of over three decades of traditional mass media campaigns. However, youth sun protection behavior remains poor. This case study describes the results of a unique social marketing campaign (the Sun Sound) aimed at translating youths’ knowledge into improved sun protection behavior. Formative research identified that a key barrier to sun protection was youth regularly forgot to protect their skin. As such, the campaign centered on a musical jingle that was broadcast at outdoor recreational settings as a “cue to action” reminder to use sun protection at the time and point of sun exposure. The Sun Sound was trialed at two coastal communities in New South Wales, Australia, during summer 2009–2010. The media launch generated 17.6 million Australian audience impressions (advertising value A$257,785). Intercept surveys conducted with 467 youth aged 12–18 years found there was high unprompted recall (41%) and understanding (79%) of the Sun Sound message. The Sun Sound was found to be an effective cue to action in prompting sun protection behaviors when heard, with over a third (38%) of respondents reporting use of additional sun protection upon hearing the jingle. Since the pilot, the Sun Sound has expanded to over 60 pools, beaches, and selected venues across Australia. The campaign demonstrates it is possible to influence behavior by targeting audiences at the actual point that behavior occurs, using research-informed insights and a relevant marketing mix.

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