A study of the impact of Sun Awareness Week 1995

We report a questionnaire-based survey of parents of schoolchildren to assess the impact of Sun Awareness Week, organized by the U.K. Skin Cancer Working Party, from 4 to 10 June 1995. A questionnaire was designed, pre-tested and modified. Nine hundred and eighty-nine patients of schoolchildren were approached before and after Sun Awareness Week at eight comprehensive primary schools and a children's clothes shop. Responses to the questionnaires were analysed in the following categories: total knowledge, sunscreen knowledge, melanoma risk factor knowledge, attitude, self-reported behaviour and awareness of the link between childhood sun exposure and cancer (link). A reasonable level of knowledge was demonstrated in the sample population. Significant improvements in attitude and behaviour scores were observed (P < 0.05). Three of the four link questions were significantly improved (P < 0.005). These results were not explained by differences in age, sex, or occupation between the before and after populations. Further national studies are needed to establish long-term benefits of such interventions.