Reducing ultraviolet radiation exposure in children

Prev Med. 1997 Jul-Aug;26(4):516-22. doi: 10.1006/pmed.1997.0166.

Abstract

Background: Project SUNWISE evaluated the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention in reducing children's ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure.

Methods: Across four YMCAs, 48 aquatics classes (N = 169 children, mean age = 7) were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control condition. The 6-week intervention included a UVR reduction curriculum presented at poolside by aquatics instructors and home-based activities for children and their parents. Outcome measures were (a) tanness-associated skin color dimensions assessed with a colorimeter, (b) specific daily solar protection behaviors of children as reported by parents, and (c) general solar protection behaviors.

Results: Controlling for intraclass clustering in all analyses, at posttest, no statistically significant between-group differences were found in tanness, daily solar protection scores, or general sunscreen use. The intervention group showed significantly greater general hat use relative to controls.

Conclusions: The intervention failed to impact most of the outcome measures. Supplementing the behavior-focused intervention package with environmental supports may be warranted.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • California
  • Child
  • Environmental Exposure / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Education / standards*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / education*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*