Sun-Smart Practices Amongst School Students (Grades 5, 7, and 9) in Alberta, Canada.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the current knowledge children possess on melanoma and sun-protective behaviour.

METHODS

A one-page survey was administered to students in grades 5, 7, and 9.

RESULTS

Three hundred ninety-two students from 11 schools in Edmonton were surveyed. Seventy-one percent of students knew that sun exposure can cause skin cancers. Sixty-nine percent were taught by their parents about sun protection, but only 44% of students received similar instructions from teachers. Twenty percent of students indicated that they never or rarely wore sunscreen. Twenty-five percent of students had experienced painful sunburns, and only 46% were willing to use sunscreen if it were available at school. More Caucasian students reported painful or peeling sunburns in each grade level than their non-Caucasian peers (for grade 5, P = .003; for grade 7, P < .0001; for grade 9, P = .001). For all grade levels, the percentage of Caucasian students who indicated that they would not wear sunscreen when going out in the sun was greater than among their non-Caucasian peers (for grade 5, P < .001; for grade 7, P = .003; for grade 9, P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive and focused approach to sun-smart education is recommended for students.