Preventive medicine
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Preventive medicine · May 1997
Summer sun exposure: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Midwest adolescents.
Extensive print, radio, and television coverage about the dangers of sun exposure and benefits of sun protection occurred over the past decade. Illinois teen knowledge and attitudes about sun exposure/protection, sun-exposure/protection behavior, and information sources were determined by a summer telephone survey. ⋯ Teen knowledge that excessive sun exposure causes skin cancer and sunburns and that wearing sunscreens and hats were sun-protective methods did not enable sun protection that prevented burning. This is particularly troublesome because severe sunburns in youth are associated with an increased risk of melanoma. Existing teen sunscreen use could be broadened by educating teens to use adequate quantities of sunscreen prior to daily sun exposure to prevent painful burns. Messages to teens that emphasize the short-term consequence of painful sunburns because of inadequate protection during outdoor occupational and non-water-related recreational exposure would increase the relevance of the message and may enable behavioral change. Parents and physicians need to be included in messages that are directed to teens and to become part of their education. Parents could ensure an adequate sunscreen supply for daily use by the family, encourage teens not to deliberately tan, and serve as role models for the use of protective clothing.