Results of a Primary Skin-Cancer-Prevention Campaign in Early Childhood on Sun-Related Knowledge and Attitudes in Southern Hungary

Knowledge and attitude of caregivers regarding sun exposure and protection in pediatric age in Western Region, Saudi Arabia

Children's sun safety habits have been studied globally, but there is a significant research gap in the western region of Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess caregivers' knowledge and attitudes about sun safety for children and adolescents in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional study through a validated online questionnaire directed to caregivers living in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Using 50% and 75% as cutoff thresholds, individuals were divided into three knowledge levels: low (scores from 15 to 44), average (from 45 to 59), and high (from 60 to 75). The study included 940 caregivers (53% were mothers). The majority of caregivers (73%) demonstrated an average level of knowledge about sun protection, with notable misconceptions such as the belief that sun protection is unnecessary in winter. Most of the participants could accurately identify health risks associated with excessive sun exposure such as the risk of skin cancer. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that having a child aged 1 year or younger was an independent predictor of higher knowledge levels regarding sun exposure and protection (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01-1.6). Sun protection practices were inconsistent; 28.7% of caregivers never used sunscreen themselves, 34.9% never used them for their children and 23% used it exclusively in the summer months. In conclusion, while most participants exhibited average knowledge about sunlight exposure and protection, only 23.1% of caregivers applied sunscreen regularly on their children.

Sun Exposure in Pediatric Age: Perspective of Caregivers

Excessive sun exposure during childhood increases the risk of skin cancer. This study characterized the knowledge and attitudes of caregivers regarding exposure and sun protection of children and adolescents. One hundred and ninety-eight caregivers (38.5 ± 8.0 years) who resorted to the consultations of a Pediatrics Service or a Family Health Unit answered a questionnaire. The age of children/adolescents was 6.5 ± 5.1 years. On average, caregivers presented a high level of knowledge regarding exposure and sun protection. One hundred and twenty-six caregivers indicated that they obtained more information about sun protection on social communication, and 66% considered the information provided by healthcare professionals to be enough. One-hundred and fifteen caregivers reported that the child/adolescent was more exposed to the sun after 4 a.m., and 88% reported applying sunscreen on the beach/pool and outdoor activities. Fifty-seven percent of caregivers renewed sunscreen application on the child/adolescent every 2 h, and 94% applied a sun protection factor ≥ 50 in the child/adolescent. There was a significant association (p < 0.001) between education level and caregivers’ self-knowledge about sun protection (the higher the education, the higher the knowledge), and between the knowledge of the hour of sun exposure avoidance and the time when the child/adolescent was more exposed to the sun. This study shows that caregivers are highly knowledgeable about exposure and sun protection in children/adolescents, and their attitudes follow the general recommendations.