Sunscreen application thickness amongst primary school children : the children and sunscreen study

摘要: Childhood sun exposure has been associated with increased risk of developing melanoma later in life. Sunscreen, children.s preferred method protection, shown to reduce skin cancer risk. However, the effectiveness sunscreen is largely dependent on user compliance, such as thickness application. To reach protection factor (SPF) must be applied at a 2mg/cm2. It demonstrated that adults tend apply less than half recommended This was first study measure which children sunscreen. We recruited 87 primary school aged (n=87, median age 8.7, 5-12 years) from seven state schools within one Brisbane education district (32% consent rate). The were supplied three dispenser types (pump, squeeze and roll-on) asked use these for week each. measured weight before after use, calculated body surface area (based height weight) self-reported coverage application). Combined measurements resulted an average application, our main outcome measure. parents complete self-administered questionnaire captured information about potential explanatory variables. Children 0.48mg/cm2, significantly 2mg/cm2 (p<0.001). When using roll-on (median 0.22mg/cm2), thickness, compared pump 0.75mg.cm2, p<0.001), 0.57mg/cm2, p<0.001) dispensers. School grade (1-7) application (p=0.032), youngest grades applying most. Other variables variable included: number siblings (p=0.001), household annual income (p<0.001), lifetime sunburns child had experienced (p=0.007). work demonstrates regardless their or type they do not enough advertised SPF. envisaged this will assist formulation recommendations future research, practice policy aimed improving childhood incidence future.