Influence of age, gender, educational level and self-estimation of skin type on sun exposure habits and readiness to increase sun protection

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Falk ◽  
C.D. Anderson
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rowan Drittij ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider

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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110104
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider

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.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 612-612

In the commentary, "Sunburns, Melanoma, and the Pediatrician," by Williams and Sagebiel (Pediatrics 1989;84:381-382), three lines were omitted from the bottom of p 381. The whole paragraph is reprinted here. It is clear that a change is required in social perceptions in which a suntan is equated with health and beauty—not because suntans per se are unhealthy (the deleterious effects of ultraviolet light at suberythemogenic levels are not wellestablished), but because the persistent and often futile efforts of those who constitutionally have less pigment to achieve a tan have serious long-term health consequences. Ideally, there should be a social norm of beauty in which the natural differences in skin color are appreciated and black, tan, pink, and all shades in between are celebrated. Similarly, we need to change our thinking about freckles and solar lentigines. These are not "cute" but represent the ineffective efforts of melanocytes in genetically underpigmented skin to provide protective pigmentation in response to solar stress. Although pediatricians alone cannot change social concepts of beauty, we can instruct our patients and their families about sun protection and we can monitor them for early signs of excessive sun exposure. Weinstock et al demonstrated an increased risk of melanoma for those who had blistering sunburns in adolescence. Although they did not address the risk associated with sunburning prior to ages 15 years, it seems likely that these data can be applied to children of all ages. Therefore, instruction and sun protection should begin in infancy. Moreover, teenagers are known to be both highly conditioned by peer concepts of beauty and relatively impervious to the counsel of their elders. It is essential, therefore, that they enter these years with skin that has been well protected and with minds well indoctrinated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 240-240
Author(s):  
Mary McCarthy ◽  
Evelyn Elshaw ◽  
Barbara Szekely ◽  
Tom Beltran

Abstract Objectives 1. Determine acceptability and feasibility of a phototherapy kiosk designed as a self-care intervention for low vitamin D; 2. Demonstrate that narrow spectrum ultraviolet (UV) B delivered by the kiosk is equivalent to recommended daily D3 supplementation to raise or maintain serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (OH)D levels at or above 30 ng/mL; and 3. Examine the relationship of demographic variables, including age, gender, body mass index, physical activity, ethnicity, skin type, season, and sun exposure to serum 25(OH)D levels in both treatment arms. Methods Participants were randomized to either the phototherapy kiosk (PK) for a treatment every other week or 600 IU D3 oral supplement (OS) daily, for 10 weeks. PK exposure was based on response to previous treatment and Fitzpatrick Skin Type category; subjects wore undergarments only and eye protection for treatments of 2–6 minutes duration. OS group received a one-time prescription of 70 capsules, dispensed by a research pharmacist. Primary outcome was serum 25(OH)D level. Results Final sample 88 adults; OS group n = 45 and PK group n = 43. Demographics: median age 35 years, mostly female (66%), no difference observed between groups for age, race/ethnicity, or marital status. No difference seen in skin type, birth location, sun exposure, or use of sunscreen. OS group had higher BMI and %body fat. Baseline 25(OH)D level were similar, P = 0.25. At 12 weeks median OS 25(OH)D 25.5 ng/mL and PK 30 ng/mL; P = .01. At 16 weeks, OS group 25(OH)D level 21 ng/mL and PK 27 ng/mL; P = .04. Adherence: OS 92% vs PK 100%. There were no reportable adverse events. Conclusions Use of PK every other week achieved higher serum levels of 25(OH)D than usual care vitamin D3 600 IU/day for 10 weeks, although both groups returned to baseline levels 30 days post-treatment. At a time when self-care measures are highly valued for health promotion, programmed UVB delivered via PK in the community appears to be a safe, efficacious alternative to oral D3 supplementation but requires recurring use. Results from this study suggest a need for early intervention in preventable health conditions impacting Warfighter performance and readiness, particularly pre-deployment when optimizing long-term wellness for duty in austere environments. Funding Sources Benesol, Inc.


10.2196/21243 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e21243
Author(s):  
Caitlin Horsham ◽  
Jodie Antrobus ◽  
Catherine M Olsen ◽  
Helen Ford ◽  
David Abernethy ◽  
...  

Background Australia and New Zealand have the highest skin cancer incidence rates worldwide, and sun exposure is the main risk factor for developing skin cancer. Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is a critical factor in developing skin cancer later in life. Objective This study aims to test the effectiveness of wearable UV sensors to increase sun protection habits (SPH) and prevent sunburn in adolescents. Methods During the weeklong school leavers outdoor festival (November 2019) at the Gold Coast, Australia, registered attendees aged 15-19 years were recruited into the field study. Participants were provided with a wearable UV sensor and free sunscreen. The primary outcome was sun exposure practices using the SPH index. Secondary outcomes were self-reported sunburns, sunscreen use, and satisfaction with the wearable UV sensor. Results A total of 663 participants were enrolled in the study, and complete data were available for 188 participants (188/663, 28.4% response rate). Participants provided with a wearable UV sensor significantly improved their use of sunglasses (P=.004) and sunscreen use both on the face (P<.001) and on other parts of the body (P=.005). However, the use of long-sleeve shirts (P<.001) and the use of a hat (P<.001) decreased. During the study period, 31.4% (59/188) of the participants reported receiving one or more sunburns. Satisfaction with the wearable UV sensor was high, with 73.4% (138/188) of participants reporting the UV sensor was helpful to remind them to use sun protection. Conclusions Devices that target health behaviors when outdoors, such as wearable UV sensors, may improve use of sunscreen and sunglasses in adolescents.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Yockey ◽  
Laura A. Nabors ◽  
Oladunni Oluwoye ◽  
Kristen Welker ◽  
Angelica M. Hardee

More research is needed to understand how attitudes impact behaviors that afford sun protection. The current study examined the impact of students’ perceptions of parental beliefs about sun exposure and its influence on their practiced sun protection behaviors and worry about sun exposure. Participants were college students (N=462) at a large Midwestern university. They completed a survey to examine their perceptions of risks and messages about sun exposure and sun exposure behaviors. Results indicated that gender and students’ perceptions of parental beliefs about sun exposure were related to sun protection behaviors and their own worry over sun exposure. Specifically, males showed lower levels of sun protection behaviors, with the exception of wearing a hat with a brim, and lower levels of worry about sun exposure compared to females. Roughly a third of our sample had a family history of skin cancer, and this variable was related to worry about sun exposure and parental beliefs. Prevention messages and interventions to reduce sun risk for college students should address risks of sun exposure as well as educating young adults about the importance of wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats to improve sun protection.


Author(s):  
John B. Holds

Chemical peels, mechanical abrasion, and more recently laser and electrosurgical devices are used to resurface eyelid and facial skin. The common feature in these techniques is the denaturation or removal of the skin surface. These techniques typically help to hide skin changes related to sun exposure and aging by evening the skin tone, decreasing dyschromia, and diminishing wrinkles. These techniques all require careful case selection and patient preparation with appropriate treatment and postoperative care. Recent interest has focused on less invasive therapy with techniques that leave the epithelium largely intact, shortening healing time and reducing the risk of complications. Aging and sun damage induce a number of changes in skin, including wrinkling, the development of muscle- or gravity-related folds, irregular pigment or dyschromia, and the growth of benign and malignant skin lesions. Scars from acne, trauma, or surgery can also be indications for skin resurfacing. Potential benefit in all of these techniques must be balanced against risks and expected healing time. A medical history must be obtained, looking for a history of immune dysfunction, prior acne, or a history of herpes simplex outbreaks. Prior treatment with radiation or isotretinoin (Accutane) may diminish the pilosebaceous units required for healing. Acne rosacea and cutaneous telangiectasia may be aggravated by skin resurfacing. Cutaneous history must focus on scarring tendencies such as keloid formation, skin type, and ancestry. In particular, one must determine the patient’s skin type, most commonly by assigning a Fitzpatrick’s skin type. Patients with skin type III require careful topical preparation for skin resurfacing treatment in most cases, and patients with skin type IV or higher are more prone to scarring and pigment issues and are not treated with medium depth to deep skin resurfacing techniques by most clinicians. Wrinkles may be graded by the Glogau classification scheme. This scale from “fine wrinkles” (type 1) to “only wrinkles” (type IV) will help to define the amount and type of treatment needed. These loose recommendations will generally hold true in determining effective therapy. The deeper and more invasive the treatment, the more important the role of skin preparation and prophylaxis.


1999 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxanne Parrott ◽  
Ashley Duggan ◽  
Jeff Cremo ◽  
Alan Eckles ◽  
Karyn Jones ◽  
...  

Efforts to increase the sun-protective behaviors of children were extended to outdoor recreational sports and youth soccer settings in this study. The pretest results of a pilot survey of coaches ( n= 12), parents ( n= 50), and youths ( n= 61) on eight soccer teams in south Georgia were used to guide the development of a health education program for coaches. In the pilot program, half the coaches were trained to be involved in soccer-playing youths’ sun protection by acting as positive role models and promoting sun protection to youths and their parents. The pilot demonstrated coaches’ willingness to participate in sun protection promotion to youth: Youths indicated that coaches and parents were more likely to tell youths to wear sunscreen after the training than before, and coaches perceived getting youths to wear sunscreen to be less difficult than before.


JAMA ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 294 (12) ◽  
pp. 1541 ◽  
Author(s):  
June K. Robinson

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