Comparison of sun protection modalities in parents and children.

Abstract

8601 Background: Routine sun protection is recommended to prevent skin cancer. Our aims were to examine and compare, in an observational survey, modalities of sun protection in parents and their children. Methods: This French nationwide observational survey, EDIFICE melanoma, was conducted through phone interviews among a representative sample of 1502 subjects aged ≥ 18 years old, using the quota method. The survey took place shortly after summer, from 28 Sep 2011 to 20 Oct 2011. Results: 1502 subjects were interviewed. Among them 1067 reported that they were sun-exposed (SE) at least ten days per year, 748 were parents, and 319 had no children. Sun protection measures seemed well done both in “parents” and “nonparents” groups: 74% used clothing; 43% used sunscreen, which was regularly renewed in 57% of cases. Sun protection measures used by SE parents for SE children were superior, both qualitatively and quantitatively to those used for themselves, ie 50% of parents reported using clothing, sunglasses and hat for their children vs 23% for themselves. In 87% of cases, parents reported regular re-application of sunscreen for their children vs 44% for themselves. The sunscreen SPF (Sun Protection Factor) was significantly lower for parents than for their children. Such data are in accordance with Buller et al. (Oncol Nurs Forum 1995), but contrast with the findings of Riordan et al. (J Pediatr 2003) with children being significantly less likely to wear sunglasses and to adopt sun avoidance habits than their parents. Conclusions: Sun protection awareness seems globally satisfying in the French population, with no difference between adult parents and nonparents, and is similar to that reported in Germany (Gambicher JEADV 2010), but seems better than in the US (Buller et al. JAAD 2011). Furthermore, French parents use sun protective measures qualitatively and quantitatively more efficiently for their children than for themselves.