Helping Children be Safe Outdoors With Sun Protection

Study Summary

Childhood exposure to high levels of sunlight is a strong determinant of melanoma risk. Pediatric clinicians can provide important sun protection counseling. In 2003, the United States Preventive Services Task Force determined that clinician counseling has an effect on use of sunscreen for children but not for other sun protection measures such as protective clothing, or reducing sun exposure. Regular sunscreen use prevents melanoma development in adults as well as nevi in children, but reliance on sunscreen as the only form of sun protection is problematic. This novel research seeks to develop a sun protection program that is feasible for pediatric clinicians to deliver with patient-centered messages and systems to support program implementation in the clinical offices. The sun protection messages will enable behavioral change by the stakeholders (caregivers and children) that will reduce painful sunburns in the children and eventually reduce the incidence of melanoma. Testing the feasibility of delivering the intervention in a pediatric practice will enhance the sustainability of the intervention, and lead the way to dissemination of good practice. This proposal seeks to develop and test an intervention that seeks to improve sun protection of young children. The intervention includes two phases: Phase 1: From June to August 2014, a voucher to obtain a swim shirt for sun protection provided by the Pediatric Sun Protection Foundation will be affixed to the anticipatory guidance sheet provided by the practice to caregivers of children 2-6 years of age. Phase 2: Analysis of online redemption of vouchers in comparison with the self-reported surveys We hypothesize that redemption of the vouchers will be associated with the perception of the child having sun sensitive skin.

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL Sun Protection Program