Results of a Primary Skin-Cancer-Prevention Campaign in Early Childhood on Sun-Related Knowledge and Attitudes in Southern Hungary

Abstract

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.

Topical Cycling: The Obstacles to Moving Forward with Systemic Psoriasis Therapies and How to Characterize the Systemic Ready Patient

“…Preventive and screening methods must be relayed to the public, including children and adolescents, as exposure to UV radiation at these ages contributes to the risk of developing skin cancer in the future. 4,5 The cutaneous nature of melanoma provides the advantage of non-invasive screening with skin examinations. 6 Both skin selfexaminations (SSE) of nevi and routine checks by a healthcare professional are both critical in monitoring for melanoma.…”

Validation of the Sun Exposure and Protection Index (SEPI) in Greek: An Instrument for Measuring Children’s Sun Protection Propensity

“…Hence, cancer prevention efforts should be directed at children and youth [10][11][12]. Children should be targeted because preventive behaviors initiated early in life regarding the dangers of UVR sun exposure, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, shirts, and sunglasses [13,14], are established as consistent patterns of healthy behaviors in adult life [15,16].…”