Sun Protection Training Based on a Theater Play for Preschoolers: an Effective Method for Imparting Knowledge on Sun Protection?

Abstract

Sun protection in childhood is important to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. The "Periods-of-Life-Program" for primary prevention of skin cancer introduces a combination of individual and environmental interventions for the preschool period. Within this pilot study, an intervention group received cognitive-behavioral and environmental interventions. A control group had solely received the environmental intervention, and a wait-control group received no intervention. Nursery school children (n = 80, 3 to 6 years of age) of four nursery schools were randomly assigned to these groups on school level. The ability of the cognitive-behavioral intervention (a theater play) to enhance sun protection knowledge was examined. The theater play improved knowledge over all age groups (p < .05 η(2) = .06). Age-specific analyses showed better results for children aged 5 to 6 (p < .05 η(2) = .20) compared to children aged 3 to 4 years (p = .17 η(2) = .04). In combining cognitive-behavioral and environmental interventions, the "Periods-of-Life-Program" is a promising strategy for primary prevention of skin cancer.

Skin cancer prevention campaign in childhood: survey based on 3676 children in Brazil

“…In our opinion, our programme helped to raised awareness in children, their parents and teachers of the schools about the importance of sun protection to prevent skin cancer. We recommend to maintain and to carry out more programmes for the education of sun protection in childhood, and as their impact is not always sustained, they should be repeated and supplemented by supportive behavioural interventions, and policy environmental strategies …”

“…We recommend to maintain and to carry out more programmes for the education of sun protection in childhood, and as their impact is not always sustained, they should be repeated and supplemented by supportive behavioural interventions, and policy environmental strategies. 21,22 Educative sun exposure programmes in childhood are a relevant tool to improve current habits and beliefs regarding sun protection, and may decrease the risk of skin cancer in future generations.…”

Cancer: Education and Primary Prevention Starts in Childhood and Adolescence

“…Within two studies, 80 preschool children 3 to 6 years of age were examined using a nonrandomized (Study 1, [4]) and 235 7th grade students using a randomized (Study 2;…”

“…A risk-score was created by summing up each risk behavior present. Detailed descriptions of both interventions have been reported [4] [5].…”

Cluster Randomized Trial: Sun Protection Intervention ‘Clever in Sun and Shade for Preschools’—Effectiveness and Dissemination

“…with multiple interventions for preschool staff and parents as well as 'SunSmart' with a broader population-based focus [19][20][21]. Overall, the use of age-appropriate interventions using songs and games, for example, improves the knowledge of preschoolers [16,22]. Without the help of adults, however, children of this age are not able to transfer this knowledge into behavior.…”