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Sun protection counseling by pediatricians
Leigh Davy1, Tim Boyett, Laura Weathers
1University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
Summary
Physician counseling on sun protection significantly improves caretaker knowledge and behaviors. Patients receiving advice showed better sun safety practices for their children, highlighting the impact of medical guidance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Physician counseling is crucial for promoting sun protection behaviors.
- Limited data exists on the reported frequency and impact of physician sun protection counseling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess caretaker recall of physician sun protection counseling.
- To determine if counseling correlates with improved sun protection knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study in Florida involving 100 caretakers at a pediatric clinic.
- Surveyed 77 caretakers on reported counseling and sun protection practices.
- Analyzed sociodemographic factors associated with receiving counseling.
Main Results:
- 30% of caretakers reported receiving sun protection counseling from their physician.
- Counseled caretakers demonstrated significantly higher sun protection knowledge (P < 0.05).
- Children of counseled caretakers showed increased sun protection use (68.2% vs 40.9%, P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Physician sun protection counseling, though infrequently reported, is linked to enhanced caretaker knowledge and improved child sun safety behaviors.
- This highlights the importance of integrating consistent sun protection advice into pediatric care.
- Further research should explore barriers to counseling and effective communication strategies.