Sun Protection Habits and Sun Exposure of Physical Education Teachers in the South of Spain

Abstract

The high prevalence and increasing incidence of skin cancer (SC) is a significant public health problem. We can address its main risk factor, which is incident and accumulated solar radiation, and its damages by disseminating knowledge and promoting changes in habits and attitudes toward the sun. The influence of teachers in the education of young people is crucial. Physical education teachers (PET) spend the majority of their time outdoors, thereby exposing themselves to solar radiation daily and greatly increasing the risk of SC. We carried out a case–control study matching for age and gender through surveys about photoexposure and photoprotection habits on a sample of 200 teachers (100 PET and 100 non‐PET) on South of Spain. The results confirmed that there is a significant difference in sun exposure during the workday; PET group showed higher exposure (P < 0.01). We ascertained that photoprotection habits are deficient across the population. These data contribute to the understanding of the danger associated with poor sun protection among teachers (primary and secondary school teachers) and its mitigation. It is also worth noting that future prevention campaigns will be necessary for the subsequent correct transmission of the habits to students.

Sun Exposure and Protection Practices of Spanish University Students of Education Sciences. Are Future Teachers Protected Against Skin Cancer and Other Adverse Effects?

“…These results corroborate previous reports [37,40] and are significant for two reasons: because of the cancer risk to the persons directly involved, and because in the near future these men and women will be teaching children and adolescents and should provide them with a positive role model, exemplifying good practices. In this respect, studies have shown that many primary and secondary school teachers in Spain do not protect themselves properly from UVR [28]. We believe it necessary to raise awareness of the seriousness of the present situation and of its possible consequences for future generations.…”

“…It was translated from English into Spanish by a group of experts, by consensus on the content of the items translated and adapted for use with university students. In addition, the questionnaire was expanded with some further items recommended in the literature and considered relevant for this research [26][27][28]. Besides the items included in the questionnaire, the following information was obtained for each respondent: sociodemographic variables (age, sex, university subject studied and family history of skin cancer); sun exposure practices (number of hours exposed to the sun, between 10 am and 4 pm, during the week and at weekends); number of sunburn episodes in the last year (defined as pain and redness of the skin lasting more than one day); sun protection measures when exposed to the sun, such as making use of shade, wearing sunglasses, a cap or hat, a long-sleeved t-shirt and long trousers; type of skin (Fitzpatrick phototype) [11]; use of sunscreen cream, its protection factor and rate of reapplication; regular personal skin examination and visits to a dermatologist; diagnosis, if any, of skin cancer; outdoor physical activity (hours per day); during physical activity, use of sunscreen, its protection factor and rate of reapplication.…”

UV protection for young athletes: using participatory program planning to develop a sports schools program

“…The need for sun protection measures is underlined by our finding that only 10% of SAs and none of the coaches of sample 1 reported to meet UVP recommendations. De Castro-Maqueda et al [29] also report insufficient UV protection habits among physical education teachers who oftentimes spend a lot of time outdoors and whose exposure to UV radiation is significantly elevated compared to other teachers. In CSSP, video spots address coaches, teachers, and parents, but most of the program material is aimed at students.…”

“…In CSSP, video spots address coaches, teachers, and parents, but most of the program material is aimed at students. Since the exposure to ultraviolet radiation of coaches is very high [29], they should be addressed even more in the program.…”

Sun Exposure during Water Sports: Do Elite Athletes Adequately Protect Their Skin against Skin Cancer?

“…The two-page questionnaire used for this study was health-focused and prepared by experts in the field of photoprotection and sun exposure [14]. The same questionnaire has been used in previous research [15][16][17]. The following information was obtained for each participant: age (years), sex, duration of sun exposure per day (hours and minutes), type of sport performed (surfing, wind surfing, or sailing), and nationality.…”