Sun Protection and Sunburn in Children Aged 1–10 Years in Germany: Prevalence and Determinants

Abstract

Seeking shade, the use of textile sun protection and sunscreen, and protecting one’s eyes by wearing sunglasses are recommended sun protection measures in children. We aimed to quantify the use of these measures as well as the prevalence of sunburn in children aged 1 to 10 years in Germany and to identify their determinants. Data collected via telephone interviews in a nationwide sample of 554 parents or caregivers in family were analyzed. Use of sunscreen was the most common measure applied (77.8%), while sunglasses were least frequently used (12.5%). The prevalence of sunburn during the past year was 21.8%, and it was positively associated with children’s age. The use of sun protection measures was significantly associated with the age and skin color of the child, while characteristics and tanning behaviors of the caregivers only played a minor role. The use of sun protection measures was higher when caregivers perceived themselves as a role model (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.33, p < 0.001). Our nationwide data show that there remains a need for the improved use of sun protection measures, especially in children aged 7 to 10 years. In educational material, parents should be encouraged to become positive role models for their children regarding sun protection.

The Role of the Global Solar UV Index for Sun Protection of Children in German Kindergartens

“…Several studies in Germany have investigated aspects of sun protection in early childhood but focused on the parents of children being supervised in kindergartens [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. In the cross-sectional study by Klosterman et al [ 43 ], 4579 parents of children who underwent a school enrollment examination in five Bavarian regions gave information on UVI-related aspects in a self-administered questionnaire.…”

The Role of the Global Solar UV Index for Sun Protection of Children in German Kindergartens

“…Several studies in Germany have investigated aspects of sun protection in early childhood but focused on the parents of children being supervised in kindergartens [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41]. In the cross-sectional study by Klosterman et al [35] 4579 parents of children who underwent a school enrollment examination in five Bavarian regions gave information on UVI-related aspects in a self-administered questionnaire.…”

Sun Protection and Tanning Behaviors in Caregivers: Prevalence, Determinants, and Associations with Children’s Behaviors

“…This manuscript is based on the data of 4000 participants, that include a sub-sample of 554 caregivers. Caregivers were identified based on the self-report to live in the same household as one or more children aged between 1 and 10 years [ 11 ]; these parameters correspond to suggestions in previous research [ 22 ]. In households with more than one child of this age, we asked caregivers to shape their responses according to the oldest child in this age group, as suggested in previous studies [ 12 , 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”

“…Up to now, many studies from all over the world have focused on sun protection in children. Especially in early childhood, parents play a key role in children’s sun safety [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. First, parents are responsible for their children’s sun safety, especially when they are young and unable to perform their own sun protection behaviors yet [ 13 ].…”

“…A French study, for example, showed that both adults with and without children did not significantly differ in their sun protection measures (except regarding their usage of sunscreen with a higher SPF [ 18 ]). However, parents who consider themselves role models and set a good example seem to be more likely to use sun protection measures for their children [ 11 , 19 ]. As found in other studies, parents who practiced sun protection behaviors for themselves were more likely to report performing sun protection measures for their children [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”