Sun Protection Strategies of Young Children and their Parents: A Comparative, Cross-Sectional Study from Türkiye

Authors : Zeynep Keskinkaya, Selda Işık Mermutlu, Özge Kaya, Ayşegül Taşkıran
Pages : 397-404
Doi:10.32708/uutfd.1536878
View : 33 | Download : 46
Publication Date : 2025-01-12
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sun protection measures used by young children and their parents and evaluate the possible effect of parental knowledge and behavior on their children’s sun safety practices. A sun safety awareness test and a self-reported questionnaire survey regarding sun protection strategies, reasons and barriers for using these methods were conducted on parents of children aged 3-5 years between June and December 2023. One hundred fourty parents [median age: 35 (27-49), female:male=113:27] were included. Parents who sought advice from their physicians [14.0 (0-19)] had a higher median awareness score than those who did not [12.0 (1-18)] (p<0.05). Although 57.9% (n=81) of children were claimed to sunbathe during summer, 85% (n=119) were reported to get tanned at the end of summer. Sunscreen was the most common sun protection strategy for both children (95%) and parents (85.7%). All measures except wearing sunglasses were utilized more frequently in children than in parents. A higher application rate was observed for each strategy in children whose parents applied the same strategy for themselves (p<0.05). Motivation to prevent sunburn (72.9%) was the main encouraging factor for using protective measures, whereas forgetfulness (41%) was the main barrier. Even though parents are well aware of the negative impact of sun exposure and the importance of sun protection strategies, they need to improve their children’s sun safety practices, particularly regarding strategies other than sunscreen. Healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, should also be involved in interventions to improve parental behaviors concerning sun safety.
Keywords : çocuk, ebeveyn, güneşten korunma yöntemleri, güneş koruyucu

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