\u2018My child did not like using sun protection\u2019: practices and perceptions of child sun protection among rural black African mothers

Zamantimande Kunene,Robyn M Lucas,Angela Mathee,Cathy Banwell,Caradee Y Wright,Patricia N Albers

doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4688-7

Abstract

BackgroundPhotodamage is partially mitigated by darker skin pigmentation, but immune suppression, photoaging and cataracts occur among individuals with all skin types.MethodsTo assess practices and acceptability to Black African mothers of sun protection equipment for their children living in a rural area, participants were recruited at the time of their child’s 18-month vaccinations. Mothers completed a baseline questionnaire on usual sun behaviours and sun protection practices. They were then provided with sun protection equipment and advice. A follow-up questionnaire was administered two weeks later.ResultsMothers reported that during the week prior to the baseline questionnaire, children spent on average less than 1 hour of time outdoors (most often spent in the shade). Most mothers (97%) liked the sun protection equipment. However, many (78 of 86) reported that their child did not like any of the sun protection equipment and two-thirds stated that the sun protection equipment was not easy to use.ConclusionsAmong Black Africans in rural northern South Africa, we found a mismatch between parental preferences and child acceptance for using sun protection when outdoors. A better understanding of the health risks of incidental excess sun exposure and potential benefits of sun protection is required among Black Africans.

Highlights

Photodamage is partially mitigated by darker skin pigmentation, but immune suppression, photoaging and cataracts occur among individuals with all skin types
Of the children enrolled in the study, 48 were boys, all were Black Africans and 14 were reported as having oculocutaneous albinism (OCA)
Black African mothers living in a sunny, rural part of South Africa reported that in the week prior to Number of mothers n = 88

Summary

Introduction

Photodamage is partially mitigated by darker skin pigmentation, but immune suppression, photoaging and cataracts occur among individuals with all skin types. Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and photoaging in all skin phototypes, including people with dark skin [1]. Skin and eye damage can be prevented by adopting sun protection behaviours such as using sunscreen, umbrellas, wearing hats, wearing longsleeve clothing, seeking shade and wearing sunglasses, as well as learning sun safe habits from an early age [6]. Evidence shows that children who received encouragement from their parents and caregivers at an early age to adopt sun safe behaviour were more likely to continue using sun protection later in life [6].

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