Patterns of Sunscreen Application in Lifeguards, Parents and Children

• Main Author: Mann, Travis James
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Archive @ GSU 2008
• Subjects: skin cancer; Sunscreen application; Public Health
• Online Access: http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/iph_theses/44; http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1043&context=iph_theses

Nonmelanoma skin cancer remains the most common diagnosed cancer in the United States. Sunscreen is the most common protective method for UV exposure. For the present study, Sun Exposure and Protection Habits Measurement Study (SEPH) survey data were analyzed to determine patterns of sunscreen application in lifeguards, parents, and children, how the amount of total body coverage differs across the three participant group and the variation in coverage with respect to selected demographic characteristics for each of the 3 participant groups. Results of the study showed that children had the highest percentage of total body coverage (M=86.7, 95% CI: 82.7, 90.6) among the three groups and parents had the least (M = 68.3, 95% CI: 65.2, 71.3). No differences in the total body area covered were noted for intervention or latitude. Further research efforts are needed to determine effective intervention strategies for parents and the need for overall body coverage.