Abstract
Simple SummaryPrimary skin-cancer-prevention campaigns among young children are important as this is the age when individuals are developing behaviors. Our aim was to evaluate sun-protection knowledge and behavior among caregivers in daycare centers and kindergartens and to determine if educational lectures are positively influential. In daycare centers, we discovered that measures of sun protection (e.g., hat, sunscreen, and shaded areas) are more likely to be available when compared to kindergartens. Knowledge regarding sun safety has improved following our initial presentation, however, not significantly. Sun safety policies did not exist in any of the facilities, presenting an urgent need for their implementation.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.
Highlights
The incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma cancers has shown a persistent increase worldwide in recent decades [1,2], placing an increasing burden on the health care system
There are a substantial number of studies evaluating the effect of sun-protection programs targeting preschool-aged children and caregivers and showing favorable results in education and awareness [19,25,26,30,31], there is a paucity of such programs according to literature data in Eastern Europe; the authors find it important to survey and help to develop conscious and sun-safe behavior in caregivers and small children
Our primary prevention program sets the goal of educating the proper form of sun protection first among caregivers and later the parents of children aged between 6 months and to the end of the kindergarten years, as well as the goal of involving children in the learning process in a playful way
Summary
The incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma cancers has shown a persistent increase worldwide in recent decades [1,2], placing an increasing burden on the health care system. Incidence rates of melanoma were documented as high as 35 cases in 100,000 in Australia and around 14 cases in 100,000 in both the USA and UK [1]. In 2019, 24 new melanoma cases per 100,000 inhabitants were diagnosed in Hungary according to the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary (NHIF) [3]. A recent study found significant changes in melanoma incidence trends in Hungary. Between 2011 and 2015, a significant mean annual increase was detected in the overall melanoma incidence, while between 2015 and 2019, a relevant mean annual decrease was seen. The authors assumed that joining the Euromelanoma campaign supported existing Hungarian seasonal screening programs to reach a wider population leading to the decline [3]
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