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Why do mothers still sun their infants?
S L Harrison1, P G Buettner, R MacLennan
1Skin Cancer Research Group, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. simone.harrison@jcu.edu.au
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|July 15, 1999
Summary
Many mothers in tropical Australia hold risky beliefs about sunning infants for therapeutic reasons, potentially increasing skin cancer risk. Health professionals often contribute to these beliefs, necessitating targeted education.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Maternal beliefs regarding infant care practices can influence health outcomes.
- Sunlight exposure in infancy has potential benefits and risks, including vitamin D synthesis and skin cancer development.
- Understanding prevalent maternal beliefs is crucial for developing effective health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of maternal beliefs about the therapeutic uses of sunlight in infants.
- To identify factors associated with these beliefs.
- To determine the sources of information influencing these practices.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving interviews with 114 postpartum women in Townsville, tropical Australia.
- Data collection included questions on demographics, maternal and paternal education, and beliefs about sunlight's therapeutic uses for infants.
- Statistical analysis identified independent predictors of these beliefs.
Main Results:
- Half of the surveyed mothers held at least one risky belief about sunning their infant.
- Common beliefs included using sunlight for neonatal jaundice (36%), vitamin D deficiency prevention (20.2%), and nappy rash treatment (10.5%).
- Maternal age, education level, and prior treatment of jaundice in a child were significant predictors; midwives and doctors were primary information sources.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of maternal beliefs promoting intentional infant sun exposure exists in tropical Australia.
- These beliefs, often influenced by healthcare professionals, may elevate infants' risk of future skin neoplasia.
- Professional education for healthcare providers is essential to correct misinformation and mitigate risks associated with infant sun exposure.
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