Behavior of caregivers to protect their infants from exposure to the sun in Queensland, Australia

John B Lowe; L J McDermott; W R Stanton; A M Clavarino; K P Balanda; B McWhirter

doi:10.1093/her/17.4.405

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Behavior of caregivers to protect their infants from exposure to the sun in Queensland, Australia

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Behavior of caregivers to protect their infants from exposure to the sun in Queensland, Australia

John B Lowe, L J McDermott, W R Stanton, A M Clavarino, K P Balanda and B McWhirter

Health Education Research, Vol.17(4), pp.405-414

2002

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/her/17.4.405

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Abstract

Public Health and Health Services

Curriculum and Pedagogy

sun exposure

sun protection

Exposure to the sun by infants has been demonstrated to increase the risk of the development of melanoma and other skin cancers later in life. A cohort of 508 women who delivered healthy Caucasian babies were followed up at 1 year to determine their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sun protection towards themselves and their child. In addition, the 1-year-old infants were assessed by a trained nurse for the number of nevi they had on their skin. Results indicate caregivers reported a high level of sun-protection practices towards their child, with 93% of the caregivers reporting usually or always placing the child in the shade when going outside. Further, 81% of the caregivers reported usually or always placing a hat on the child, while 64% reported usually or always applying sunscreen to the child's exposed skin. Interestingly, only 61% of the caregivers reported that they stayed in the shade to reduce sun exposure and only 42% wore a hat when out in the sun. Mother's own personal sun-protection methods predicted the method of sun protection that she would most likely use for the child. While children appear to be reasonably protected from the sun, they are influenced by their mother's own behaviors.

Details

Title: Behavior of caregivers to protect their infants from exposure to the sun in Queensland, Australia
Authors: John B Lowe (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
L J McDermott (Author) - University of Queensland
W R Stanton (Author) - University of Queensland
A M Clavarino (Author) - University of Queensland
K P Balanda (Author) - University of Queensland
B McWhirter (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Health Education Research, Vol.17(4), pp.405-414
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date published: 2002
DOI: 10.1093/her/17.4.405
ISSN: 0268-1153
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449327502621
Output Type: Journal article

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