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Sun-safe behaviour among secondary school students in Australia
J B Lowe1, R Borland, W R Stanton
1Centre for Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention Research, University of Queensland, Medical School, Herston, Australia.
Health Education Research
|September 8, 2000
Summary
Australian adolescents show varied sun-protection habits, with younger students and females more likely to use sunscreen. Sun-protection behaviors decrease with age, highlighting a need for improved skin cancer prevention strategies in older students.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Dermatology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Skin cancer is a significant public health concern, particularly in sun-exposed populations like Australia.
- Adolescence is a critical period for establishing health behaviors, including sun protection.
- Limited data exists on the sun-protection practices of Australian secondary school students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first national survey on sun-protection measures among Australian secondary school students.
- To identify factors influencing sun-protection behaviors in adolescents.
- To assess the prevalence of sunburn and attitudes towards suntans.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 23,915 Australian students in Years 7-12 was conducted in 1993.
- Data collected on usual sun-protection practices, beliefs about skin cancer and suntans, and sunburn history.
- Analysis of behaviors based on year level, gender, skin type, and concern about cancer.
Main Results:
- Sun-protection behaviors varied significantly by year level, gender, skin type, and cancer concern.
- Adolescents believing they could avoid skin cancer were more likely to use sun protection.
- Males favored hats and clothing, while females used sunscreen and sought shade. Protective behaviors declined with age.
- Poorer practices correlated with increased sunburn, except for sunscreen use.
- Suntan remained a desire for many adolescents, with less than half of Year 12 students usually wearing hats.
Conclusions:
- Most Australian secondary students practice some sun protection, but significant room for improvement exists, especially in older grades.
- Targeted interventions are needed to enhance sun-protection behaviors among adolescents, particularly concerning hat and sunscreen use.
- Addressing adolescents' desire for suntans and reinforcing the link between sun exposure and skin cancer risk is crucial for effective prevention.