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Sunscreen use among US high school students, 1999-2003.
Sherry Everett Jones1, Mona Saraiya
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. severettjones@cdc.gov
The Journal of School Health
|March 16, 2006
Summary
Routine sunscreen use is low among US high school students, with 1 in 7 reporting regular use in 2003. Skin cancer prevention education and supportive school environments are crucial for increasing sun-safe behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Skin cancer is a significant public health concern.
- Sunscreen use is a key preventive behavior against harmful UV radiation.
- Adolescents are a critical demographic for establishing lifelong health habits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in sunscreen use among U.S. high school students.
- To identify demographic and regional variations in adolescent sunscreen behavior.
- To evaluate changes in protective sunscreen application over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (1999, 2001, 2003).
- Conducted cross-sectional analyses of self-reported health risk behaviors.
- Examined sunscreen use patterns based on sex, race/ethnicity, grade, and region.
Main Results:
- In 2003, 14.2% of U.S. high school students reported routine sunscreen or sunblock use.
- Sunscreen use varied significantly by demographic factors and geographic location.
- No significant change was observed in the use of SPF 15+ sunscreen for prolonged outdoor exposure between 1999 and 2003.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent sunscreen use remains suboptimal, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.
- Comprehensive skin cancer prevention strategies must include education on sun-safe practices.
- Creating school environments that promote sun protection is essential for reducing skin cancer risk.
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