SUN EXPOSURE AND PROTECTION PRACTICES OF CAREGIVERS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN LIVING IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Steele Auditorium

Objective. This study was conducted to determine sun exposure and use of sun protection that caregivers implement for their young children and compare these practices between groups based on children’s age, gender, and the racial/ethnic group living in south Florida. Background. Skin cancer is on the rise even among young children. Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects sun exposure which drastically increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Sun 26 protective strategies maybe helpful in reducing risks but children are dependent on caregivers to consistently implement these strategies. Methods. For this study a sample of 172 consenting caregivers were recruited in public places and provided survey information which was analyzed by descriptive statistics, t tests, and ANOVAs. Results. Children experienced low levels of sun exposure, few sunburns, and medium levels of sun protection. Differences were found for sun exposure between age groups and specific sun protective behaviors based on gender and racial/ethnic group. Conclusion. Caregivers were generally aware of the need to provide sun protection but did so inconsistently. Fashion may increase the risk of sun exposure for females. Black/African-Americans need information related to their risk for sun injury. Grants. None