Photoprotection habits, attitudes and knowledge among school communities in the Costa del sol (Spain)

Abstract

Scholar photoprotection campaigns are among the most effective strategies for preventing skin cancer. Analysis of the target population constitutes a valuable starting point for the implementation of primaryprevention strategies. Our aim is to study photoprotection habits, attitudes and knowledge among a Spanishschool community. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study targeting schoolchildren, parents and teachers at 20schools in the area of the Costa del Sol Health Agency in southern Spain. Two population-specific, validatedquestionnaires were used: the CHRESI (for children aged 0–10 years) and CHACES Questionnaire(for adults and adolescents aged>11 years). We collected demographic data, skin colour, skin phototype, sunburn episodes, sunexposure and photoprotection practices, attitudes and knowledge. Results: 1728 questionnaires were analyzed(22% parents, 14.5% teachers, 44.8% adolescents and 18.6% children). The average ages were 8 years (children),16 years (adolescents), 39 years (teachers) and 42 years (parents). Globally, the predominant features were: male sex (52%), Spanish nationality (92%) and phototypes II–III (61%). Children, followed by adolescents, reported thehighest exposure to the sun, both in frequency and in duration. Adolescents had the higher rate of sunburn(75%), followed by parents/teachers (54.1%) and children (44.1%). Children and their parents were the most likelyto adopt photoprotection measures, while adolescents presented more risky attitudes. Knowledge regardingphotoprotection was acceptable (6.9/10). Conclusions: This study highlights the need to improve photoprotectionknowledge, habits and attitudes among our target population. Scholars, parents and teachers in our area shouldbe addressed in campaigns to promote healthy sun exposure habits, thus reducing skin cancer-related morbidityand mortality in this region.