Impact of a Youth Sun Safety Educational Program
Yazmeen Tembunde1, Madeline Brown1, Murielle Tembunde2
1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual
|August 9, 2024
Summary
This study shows that a school-based sun safety program significantly improved elementary students' knowledge of sun protection and confidence in discussing its importance. The program also enhanced their understanding of sunscreen labels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health Education
- Dermatology
Background:
- Early-life sun protection is crucial for preventing skin cancer.
- Youth sun safety education is vital but often ineffective in changing behavior.
- Existing educational programs need improvement to promote lasting sun-safe practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a sun safety educational program's impact on elementary students.
- To assess improvements in knowledge, confidence, and understanding of sunscreen labels.
- To determine the program's effectiveness in promoting sun protection behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A 1.5-hour sun safety program was delivered to fourth-grade students.
- Pre- and post-surveys with Likert scale questions assessed changes.
- 84% of students (45 out of 53) completed both surveys.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant increases in sun safety knowledge were observed.
- Students showed enhanced confidence in explaining sun protection importance.
- Understanding of sunscreen labels improved significantly among participants.
Conclusions:
- School-based sun safety programs can effectively increase knowledge and confidence.
- The program improved understanding of sunscreen labels and communication skills.
- Further research is needed to confirm the program's impact on actual sun-protective behaviors.
