Sun protection for infants: parent behaviors and beliefs in Miami, Florida

Children who are not adequately protected from the sun have an increased risk for developing skin cancers later in life. The primary objective of this study was to determine the sun protection behaviors that black and Hispanic parents in Miami, Florida, employ in infants younger than 6 months. Secondary objectives included determining if this patient population is at risk for infant sunburns and tanning, beliefs among parents regarding sunscreen's efficacy in the prevention of skin cancers, and limitations of sunscreen use. An institutional review board-approved survey was administered to parents presenting to the University of Miami general pediatrics clinic. The main outcome measure was the self-reported consistency with which parents employed each of 6 sun protection strategies in infants. The results of this study highlight some potential shortcomings in current practices in sun protection for black and Hispanic infants.