Promoting sunscreen use in adolescents playing outdoor sports using UV detection stickers

Sunscreen is a popular form of sun protection and when applied sufficiently (2 mg/cm²) has been shown to block the harmful molecular effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV). This field study tested the effectiveness of UV detection stickers to improve sunscreen use. During a rugby league two-day sporting event (28-29 February 2020) in Queensland, Australia interested players 14-18 years old were provided with access to free sunscreen on DAY-1 and during the subsequent day (DAY-2) were provided with a free UV detection sticker and access to sunscreen. On DAY-2, one UV detection sticker was handed out to 550 attendees. The sunscreen bottles were weighted periodically by research staff throughout both event days. Primary outcomes were sunscreen usage. Overall, 868 g of sunscreen was used across both DAY-1 and DAY-2, with 19% (167 g) of sunscreen used on DAY-1 and 81% (701 g) of sunscreen used on DAY-2. This resulted in a >3-fold improvement in sunscreen use on DAY-2 when the UV detection stickers were provided. We found UV detection stickers may improve use of sunscreen in adolescents during sporting events in high UV environments.