Evaluation of the Knowledge and Photoprotection Habits of Children and their Caregivers

Introduction: Spending time outdoors is an essential part of an active and healthy lifestyle. On average, the first 18 years of age account for 25% of an individual`s total sun exposure. However, the time in the sun without adequate sun protection is responsible for 50-80% of the deleterious effects of accumulated exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), particularly for its carcinogenic action.

Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and to understand the children/adolescents and their caregiver’s habits regarding sun protection, in outpatient, our Pediatric emergency department, Hospital level II, and in the child health consultation of a local USF.

Methods: Cross-sectional study in which was applied a questionnaire about knowledge and habits concerning sun protection. Frequency tables and chi-square tests were applied, statistically significant p <0.05.

Results: Sample totaled 295, 63.7% caregivers and 36.3% young people under 18 years. The period of the day of greatest exposure to sunlight was after 4:00pm (78.3%). They use sunscreen, 93% of children/adolescents and 90.6% of caregivers, however, the majority of the population only use it on the beach (61%) (p<0.05). As for the frequency of renewal of sunscreen, 40.2% of the children/adolescents renewed two times, and 52.6% of the caregivers only once (p<0.05). It is the female who responds to use more umbrella (76%) (p<0.05) and more girls use SPF 30+ (59%) and 50+ (73.7%) while more boys use SPF

Conclusion: The present study’s data point to the need for a wider dissemination of adequate knowledge, both by the media and by physicians, to nurture healthy practices regarding exposure to the sun. The multidisciplinarity between primary health care and Pediatrician becomes crucial.