Details:

Alternative Title:
Prev Chronic Dis
Publisher's site:
http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd14.170202
Personal Author:
Kouzes, Emily ; Thompson, Christine ; Herington, Cari ; Helzer, Lily
Kouzes, Emily ; Thompson, Christine ; Herington, Cari ; Helzer, Lily Less -
Description:
Background

Cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a risk factor for development of skin cancer. We estimated changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Nevada school-age children following implementation of a program to decrease UV exposure.

Community Context

The Nevada Cancer Coalition’s Sun Smart Schools pilot program was implemented in 7 Nevada schools during the 2015–2016 school year. The target population was students at participating schools.

Methods

Participation in the program was voluntary. Students surveyed spanned grades from fourth to tenth. Pre-intervention surveys were conducted at the start of the school year. Post-intervention surveys were conducted at the end of the school year. Changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were assessed among study participants by using self-reported survey responses.

Outcomes

The Sun Smart Schools pilot program was effective in increasing a broad range of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about protection from UV among elementary and middle school students. Students in high school reported an increase in the adoption of selected protective behaviors. However, this population also maintained a positive attitude toward the appearance of tanned skin, indicating susceptibility to competing influences. High school students also did not report any evident change in knowledge about sun protection strategies. Parents reported a decrease in knowledge about UV protection but an increase in adoption of certain protective behaviors.

Interpretation

Our findings are similar to those of previous studies demonstrating that education about the dangers of UV exposure is most effective in younger age groups. Results were mixed in older age groups.


Subject:
[+]
Child
Female
Health Education
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Parents
School Health Services
Schools
Skin Neoplasms
Sunburn
Sunlight
Surveys And Questionnaires
Ultraviolet Rays

Source:
Prev Chronic Dis. 14.
Pubmed ID:
29191258
Pubmed Central ID:
PMC5716809
Document Type:
Journal Article
Funding:
U58 DP003929/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United States
Genre:
Community Case Study
Place as Subject:
Nevada
Collection(s):
Preventing Chronic Disease
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:72a489965cd3e781130c17f1cbfaf46a918bdf4b1809c20d15d0ac77fb1e1b19
File Type:

Supporting Files

• PCD-14-E125.nxml

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