Sun Safety Practices Research Articles

Sun protection strategies of young children and their parents: A comparative, cross-sectional study from Türkiye

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sun protection measures used by young children and their parents and evaluate the possible effect of parental knowledge and behavior on their children’s sun safety practices. A sun safety awareness test and a self-reported questionnaire survey regarding sun protection strategies, reasons and barriers for using these methods were conducted on parents of children aged 3-5 years between June and December 2023. One hundred fourty parents (median age: 35, female:male ratio=4:1) were included. Parents who sought advice from their physicians (14.0) had a higher median awareness score than those who did not (12.0) (p

Sun-related knowledge and practices in Irish construction and agricultural workers.

Agricultural and construction workers spend much of their work time outdoors and have higher risks of developing skin cancer when compared to indoor workers. However, there is limited research on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure knowledge, sun safety practices and constraints within these occupational groups in Ireland. This study aimed to examine self-reported time spent outdoors in a sample of Irish agricultural and construction workers; to describe and compare UVR exposure knowledge, safety practices and perceived constraints in both occupational groups, and to assess the association of demographic, personal and occupational factors with sun-related knowledge, practices and perceived constraints. Agricultural workers (n = 154) and construction workers (n = 467) completed a questionnaire, which measured solar UVR exposure knowledge, safety practices, and perceived constraints to sun personal protective equipment and sunscreen use in addition to demographic, personal, and workplace characteristics. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine differences in knowledge, practices and perceived constraints by these characteristics. Both groups spend a significant proportion of their working week outdoors (25 hours per week on average). Although participation in sun safety training was high for both groups, UVR exposure knowledge and sunscreen use were low, and annual rates of reported sunburn were high. Knowledge, practices and perceived constraints also differed significantly according to demographic, personal, occupational and workplace characteristics. In addition to training by employers and advisory groups, interventions are required to address perceived barriers that impede the uptake and usage of control measures that can lower risk.

Heat-related illness and sun safety strategies for pediatric populations.

The ongoing rise in temperature poses significant public health concerns such as exposure to extreme heat and increased prevalence of heat-related illnesses. Given that pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to heat-related risks, pediatricians need to be prepared to counsel caregivers and patients on heat protective strategies and treatment recommendations. Children are physiologically susceptible to heat-related complications. Heat-related illness is a spectrum of illnesses ranging from mild heat rash to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. Prevention is key to protecting children from heat-related illness and hazards. Recommended prevention strategies include clothing, sun avoidance, hydration, acclimatization, and sunscreen. It is important that pediatricians provide anticipatory guidance on summer sun safety practices to parents and patients. Should prevention fail, pediatricians must be aware of how to effectively distinguish and treat heat-related illness and harms.

Are Welsh primary schools Sunproofed? Results of a national survey Part 2: sun protection practices in primary schools in Wales

Abstract Background Skin cancer rates are on the rise globally. School sun safety programmes are recommended by the World Health Organisation to reduce the risk of future skin cancer at population level; however, these are encouraged but not mandated in Wales. Objectives To explore current sun protection practices and sun safety education in primary schools in Wales and whether these are linked to the existence of a formal sun safety policy. Methods An online survey to all 1241 Welsh primary schools asking about sun safety practices, education and formal policies. Results 471 (38.0%) schools responded with the profile of responding schools generally matching the profile of schools in Wales. A minority (22,4.7%) of responding schools reported they had sufficient shade for most activities. In the spring and summer terms almost two thirds of schools encourage hat wearing (304, 64.8%) and sunscreen (296, 63.2%). While nearly all schools reported that parents were encouraged to apply sunscreen to students before school (449, 95.7%), there was wide variation in other sunscreen application practices. Less than one third of schools (129, 29.0%) reported that they include sun protection education in the curriculum in every year group, with 11.7% (52) including this in certain years only. Schools with a formal policy were more likely to report more comprehensive sun protection practices including having sufficient shade [OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04-2.19; p = 0.032], having spare hats for pupils to wear [OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.07-2.37; p = 0.023], providing guidance for staff [OR 5.87, 95% CI 3.05-11.28; p < 0.001], encouraging them to model sun safe behaviours [OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.18-2.80; p = 0.007] and teaching sun protection education as part of the curriculum in every year group [OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.76-3.71; p < 0.001]. With respect to sunscreen, the existence of a formal policy did not seem to affect a school’s practice. Conclusions While in most cases, the existence of a formal policy suggests more comprehensive sun protection practices and education in schools, sun protection measures and education need improvement across the primary school sector in Wales to reverse rising skin cancer rates.

A photoaging smartphone application to promote sun safety behaviors among youth in late childhood and adolescence.

Ultraviolet (UV)-exposure behaviors can directly impact an individual's skin cancer risk, with many habits formed during childhood and adolescence. We explored the utility of a photoaging smartphone application to motivate youth to improve sun safety practices. Participants completed a preintervention survey to gather baseline sun safety perceptions and behaviors. Participants then used a photoaging mobile application to view the projected effects of chronic UV exposure on participants' self-face image over time, followed by a postintervention survey to assess motivation to engage in future sun safety practices. The study sample included 87 participants (median [interquartile (IQR)] age, 14 [11-16] years). Most participants were White (50.6%) and reported skin type that burns a little and tans easily (42.5%). Preintervention sun exposure behaviors among participants revealed that 33 (37.9%) mostly or always used sunscreen on a sunny day, 48 (55.2%) experienced at least one sunburn over the past year, 26 (30.6%) engaged in outdoor sunbathing at least once during the past year, and zero (0%) used indoor tanning beds. Non-skin of color (18 [41.9%], p = .02) and older (24 [41.4%], p = .007) participants more often agreed they felt better with a tan. Most participants agreed the intervention increased their motivation to practice sun-protective behaviors (wear sunscreen, 74 [85.1%]; wear hats, 64 [74.4%]; avoid indoor tanning, 73 [83.9%]; avoid outdoor tanning, 68 [79%]). The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that a photoaging smartphone application may serve as a useful tool to promote sun safety behaviors from a young age.

Legislative review and recommendations for improving sun protection in schools.

Sun exposure in schools can account for a large portion of childhood sun exposure before the age of 20 years, yet legislation in the United States is lacking to properly protect children. Schools serve as a foundational resource to introduce and implement sun-safe practices in the youth population. Federal and state legislation relating to the access of sunscreen, sun-protective apparel, and shade was reviewed via the website LegiScan.com. At the time of publication, only 25 states have legislation in place that addresses and allows sunscreen to be used in school, given its classification as an over-the-counter medication. No state has implemented legislation allowing sunglasses to be worn in school, and only two states have laws explicitly allowing hats and other sun-protective apparel at schools. In addition, the provision of shade is addressed in four states. With a significant portion of sun exposure occurring at schools, state and federal legislation must address sun protection for students, opening the door for expanded access and additional research related to skin cancer prevention.

Decoding the synergistic potential of MAZ-51 and zingerone as therapy for melanoma treatment in alignment with sustainable development goals.

Melanoma, an invasive class of skin cancer, originates from mutations in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells. Globally, approximately 132,000 new cases are reported each year, and in South Africa, the incidence stands at 2.7 per 100,000 people, signifying a worrisome surge in melanoma rates. Therefore, there is a need to explore treatment modalities that will target melanoma's signalling pathways. Melanoma metastasis is aided by ligand activity of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C)and C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) which bind to their receptors and promote tumour cell survival, lymphangiogenesisand chemotaxis. (3-(4-dimethylaminonaphthelen-1-ylmethylene)-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one) MAZ-51 is an indolinone-based molecule that inhibits VEGF-C induced phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3). Despite the successful use of conventional cancer therapies, patients endure adverse side effects and cancer drug resistance. Moreover, conventional therapies are toxic to the environment and caregivers. The use of medicinal plants and their phytochemical constituents in cancer treatment strategies has become more widespread because of the rise in drug resistance and the development of unfavourable side effects. Zingerone, a phytochemical derived from ginger exhibits various pharmacological properties positioning it as a promising candidate for cancer treatment. This review provides an overview of melanoma biology and the intracellular signalling pathways promoting cell survival, proliferationand adhesion. There is a need to align health and environmental objectives within sustainable development goals 3 (good health and well-being), 13 (climate action)and 15 (life on land) to promote early detection of skin cancer, enhance sun-safe practices, mitigation of environmental factorsand advancing the preservation of biodiversity, including medicinal plants. Thus, this review discusses the impact of cytostatic cancer drugs on patients and the environment and examines the potential use of phytochemicals as adjuvant therapy.

Are Welsh primary schools Sunproofed? Results of a national survey, part 1: scoping the landscape of sun safety policies in Wales.

Schools with formal sun safety polices generally show better sun safety practices than schools without. To understand the extent to which Welsh primary schools have sun safety policies; to identify the key characteristics of policies; to assess whether policy adoption varies by school characteristics; and to consider what support schools need to develop sun safety policies. An online multiple-choice survey on sun safety was distributed to all 1241 primary schools in Wales. In total, 471 (38.0%) schools responded. Of these, 183 (39.0%) reported having a formal sun safety policy. Welsh medium schools (P = 0.036) and schools in North Wales (P = 0.008) were more likely to report having a policy. Schools with a higher percentage of pupils receiving free school meals (P = 0.046) and with lower attendance rates (P = 0.008) were less likely to report having a sun safety policy. The primary reasons for schools not having a policy included being 'not aware of the need' (34.6%); 'need assistance with policy or procedure development' (30.3%); and 'not got around to it just yet' (26.8%). With less than half of schools reporting a sun safety policy and variation in the presence/absence of a policy by school characteristics, our survey revealed inconsistency in formal sun safety provision in Welsh schools. The findings also suggest that schools are unaware of the importance of sun safety and need support to develop and implement policies. This snapshot of the current situation in primary schools in Wales provides a basis upon which the comprehensiveness, effectiveness and implementation of sun safety policies can be further evaluated.

Sun protection practices in India: Preliminary findings from a nationally representative sample

Sun safety research has mainly been conducted in the West, whereas little is known about sun protection practices in India. Using a survey design with a representative sample, we aimed to understand the frequency of sun protection practices in India. We also examined associations between demographic covariates and sun safe behaviours. We surveyed a representative sample (N = 1560) from the Indian population in November 2022. The study variables included sun safe behaviours, sunburn experience, demographic information, and skin tone. We employed descriptive and regression analyses to examine the prevalence of behaviours and their associations. To mitigate potential sampling biases, we applied poststratification weights in the analyses. More than half of the participants (64.2%) routinely performed at least one sun safe behaviour, with only 4.9% of the sample reporting no engagement with sun safe behaviours in the last 12 months. Physical protection (e.g., long sleeves, shade/umbrella) were more common than sunscreen use. Regression analysis showed that higher subjective social status, being younger, and living in one of the Eastern Indian states were the strongest predictors of sun protection practices. Our findings fill an important knowledge gap in global sun safe research, highlighting the urgent need for public sun safety education. Scalable and targeted interventions are needed to promote sun safety awareness and practices among people.

Risk-Factor Assessment and Sun Protection Behaviors of Ohio Farmers

Highlights Most farmers never had a skin cancer assessment by a health professional, but almost 20% had a skin cancer diagnosis. While at risk for skin cancer, Ohio farmers have not widely adopted sun safety protection behaviors. Understanding sun safety practices of farmers may guide development of appropriate resources and interventions. Abstract. The purpose of the study was to identify sun exposure risk factors and sun protection behaviors from a sample of Ohio farmers. A convenience sample of farmers was invited to complete a self-report survey, either online or by paper and pencil at annual pesticide training courses and community-based safety programs. This cross-sectional and descriptive study used public domain survey questions by Glanz et al. and Oh et al. Respondents totaled 505 and self-identified primarily as male, married or with a domestic partner, white, non-Latino, with very fair to fair skin, and worked full-time mostly in field crops. Over 50% of farmers applied or reapplied sunscreen. Between 50% and 70% wore a shirt with sleeves, sunglasses, and/or a hat; a baseball cap was the preferred headwear. Farmers (67%) reported 0-1 sunburns last year, and 83% said they sit in the sun to get a tan. Younger farmers (<44 years old) spent more time in the sun to tan and reported fewer painful sunburns. Most farmers (58%) never had a professional skin cancer assessment, but 17% had a skin cancer diagnosis. While at risk for skin cancer, Ohio farmers have not widely adopted sun safety protection behaviors. Data may direct future multidisciplinary health and safety educational programming by state Extension outreach and healthcare providers. Keywords: Cancer, Farmers, Health risk behavior, Self-report, Sun protection.

Evaluation of the educational intervention "living with the sun" by preschool and first-year primary school students: a pilot study

"Convive con el Sol" (Living with the sun) is an educational programme to promote education about sun exposure and healthy photoprotection habits among Spanish children. This study evaluated the effects of the "Convive con el Sol" school-based sun protection programme on the sun safety habits, attitudes, knowledge, and practices in preschool and first-year primary school students. A quasi-experimental pilot study was established with a pre-test/post-test design and without a control group to evaluate the efficacy of the "Convive con el Sol" programme in children aged 3-8 years. Two questionnaires were used to evaluate the programme: the CHRESI questionnaire and the SolSano questionnaire. Results: Seven educational centres participated in the study. The number of completed baseline questionnaires was 351 for the CHRESI survey and 226 for the SolSano survey. After the intervention, the students improved their sun protection practices; fewer students went to the beach or swimming-pool at noon (9.8% vs 5.5%; p = 0.03), and more schoolchildren used cream with an SPF rating >15 (37.6% vs 76.2%; p <0.01) and repeatedly applied sunscreen if continuously exposed (67.4% vs 82.7%; p <0.01). Our findings show that the "Convive con el Sol" educational intervention improved photoprotection practices in children aged 3-8 years, but did not reduce the percentage of sunburned children. This pilot study serves as a starting point for designing educational interventions, targeting students, teachers, and families.

Parent-Reported Barriers and Enablers to Establishing Sun Safety Practices with Young Children in Australia

ABSTRACT This study investigated parent-reported barriers and enablers to establishing sun safety practices with young children (0–4 years; N = 423) living in Australia. An online survey examined parent/child adherence to recommended sun safety practices and barriers and enablers to establishing sun safety practices. Adherence to different sun safety practices varied across age groups. Lack of child cooperation was the most commonly-endorsed barrier while child compliance was the most commonly-endorsed facilitator. Young children’s lack of cooperation with sun safety practices represents a major obstacle for parents. In conclusion, the development and testing of family-based intervention approaches to reduce child resistance and promote cooperation is warranted.

33648 Assessing health literacy in the homeless and its application in dermatology

Homeless individuals are more likely to experience adverse health effects in comparison to their counterparts with stable housing. Health literacy plays a large role in the health disparities in this population. We present a literature review of health care literacy in the homeless population and evaluated different health literacy programs. In dermatology programs, health literacy is important as skin care is a long-term relationship between the patient and their sun safety practices. To improve health care outcomes, especially within the homeless population, it is important to meet the goals of a health care literacy program while directing the program to the patient population.

Sunburns and Sun Protection Behaviors among Male Hispanic Outdoor Day Laborers.

Individuals who work outside are at increased risk for skin cancer due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Little is known about UV exposures and sun safety practices of outdoor day laborers, who are disproportionately Hispanic. This study identified the correlates of sunburn and sun protection behaviors in a sample of male, Hispanic day laborers (n = 175). More than half of the participants (54.9%) experienced one or more sunburns when working during the past summer, and 62.9% reported having one or more symptoms of heat illness. The frequency of engaging in sun protection behaviors was suboptimal, including sunglasses use (M = 2.68, SD = 1.71), staying in the shade (M = 2.30, SD = 0.94), wearing sunscreen (M = 2.10, SD = 1.39), and wearing a wide-brimmed hat (M = 1.75, SD = 1.32), based on a 5-point scale (1 = never; 5 = always). Lower education level, higher levels of skin sensitivity to the sun, any symptom of heat illness, fewer barriers to wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and not wearing a wide-brimmed hat were associated with a greater number of sunburns. Factors associated with each sun protection behavior varied. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Perception, knowledge, and attitude of solar radiation diseases and use of sunscreen among Al Zawia Medical University Students in Libya

Human exposure to solar radiation has significant public health implications. Sunlight’s UV radiation can injure skin cells and alter the appearance of the skin. Long-term impacts of sun exposure include delayed pigmentation, reduced vitamin D synthesis, changed immunological responses of the skin, and others. The immediate consequences of sun exposure include severe skin changes like sunburn. Sun protection is a fundamental preventative step against skin cancer and skin damage brought on by excessive sun exposure. Sunscreens function to block ultraviolet (UV) rays from the environment from reaching the skin. They help shield skin exposed to sunlight from sunburn and other negative consequences by reflecting or absorbing UV radiation. The study aimed to determine and evaluate the awareness and knowledge of UV radiation diseases, the prevalence of sunscreen use, and attitudes and perceptions toward their use among University Medical Students in Zawia (Libya). A specially prepared, self-structured survey was given to 100 participants to obtain data. The majority (74%) of the participants were Pharmacy students, 16% were Medicine students, and only 10% were Dentistry students. The results showed that 93% of participants had awareness or knowledge of sun diseases, but only 7% lacked information about radiation diseases. 71% of participants applied sunscreen, whereas 29% did not apply sunscreen. The study concludes that students at Zawia Medical University have adequate knowledge and are aware of the harmful effects of solar radiation exposure. Sunscreens are a crucial component of sun safety practices. The study also identified the necessity for personal health education and training for our society that emphasizes the critical role of sunscreen and recommended application techniques.

Sun safety knowledge, practices and attitudes in rural Australian farmers: a cross-sectional study in Western New South Wales

BackgroundRates 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.AimsTo 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsOf 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).ConclusionsKnowledge 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.

15345 A cross-sectional study of sun-safe skin practices and knowledge reveals room for improvement among Hispanic tattoo artists

15345 A cross-sectional study of sun-safe skin practices and knowledge reveals room for improvement among Hispanic tattoo artists

Training cosmetology students in Arkansas to help dermatologists find skin cancers earlier: results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

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. 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). 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]). 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.

Examination of use and barriers for five sun protection strategies in parents and their children.

Sun protection starting in childhood is an important means of skin cancer prevention. Factors associated with sunscreen use have been previously described. However, less is known about factors associated with children's utilization of non-sunscreen sun protection strategies. We sought to examine parent and child characteristics, parental use of sun protection, and barriers associated with children's use of five sun protection strategies: sunscreen, shirts with sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and shade. A cross-sectional survey of parents of children entering kindergarten through grade 8. Survey participants were recruited at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair. A total of 409 parents were surveyed. The most common sun protection strategies parents reported for their child were wearing a shirt with sleeves (69.9%) and using sunscreen (61.9%), while protection via shade, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses were reported by less than one-quarter of parents. For each individual strategy, parents' own use of that strategy was strongly associated with that strategy in their children. Lack of child cooperation was associated with decreased use of sunscreen, shirts with sleeves, and wide-brimmed hats. Significant room for improvement exists in childhood sun protection. Parents should especially be encouraged to use shade, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses as methods of protection for their children. Advising parents to model seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and choosing appropriate clothing and hats may improve sun safety practices.

Parent reports of sun safety communication and behaviour for students in a randomised trial on a school policy implementation intervention

ObjectiveSchools are an important setting for skin cancer prevention. An intervention for implementation of school sun safety policy, Sun Safety Schools (SSS), was evaluated. MethodsPrimary schools (n=118) in California school districts that had already adopted a sun safety policy were enrolled in a study with a randomised controlled design. Half of the schools were randomised to SSS intervention (N=58). Parents completed an online post‐test. ResultsMore parents in intervention schools received information about sun safety (mean=26.3%, sd=3.1%, p=0.017) and children more frequently wore sun‐protective clothing when not at school (mean=2.93, sd=0.03, p=0.033) than in control schools (mean=18.0%, sd=2.5%; mean=2.83, sd=0.03, respectively). In schools where principals reported implementing sun safety practices, parents reported that children spent less time outdoors at midday (mean=14.78 hours, sd=0.25, p=0.033) and fewer were sunburned (mean=12.7%, sd=1.1%, p=0.009) than in non‐implementing schools (M=16.3 hours, sd=0.67; mean=21.2%, sd=3.8%, respectively). Parents who received sun safety information (mean=3.08, sd=0.04, p=0.008) reported more child sun protection than parents not receiving information (mean=2.96, sd=0.02). ConclusionsA school district sun protection policy and support for implementation increased dissemination of sun safety information to parents and student sun safety. Implications for public healthTechnical assistance for sun safety policies may increase sun protection of children.