Skin cancer prevention for children, parents, and caregivers: a field test of Hawaii's SunSmart program.

Abstract

Children are at particular risk for sun exposure, a major cause of skin cancer. Parents and caregivers can help protect children by educating them about practicing safe sun habits, serving as role models, and providing supportive environments. We evaluated SunSmart, a cancer prevention program for 6- to 8-year-old children, their parents, and outdoor recreation staff. The intervention included staff training, on-site activities for children, interactive take-home booklets, behavior-monitoring scoreboards, incentives, providing sunscreen, and encouraging sun safe environments and policies. The program was evaluated by baseline and follow-up surveys of parents and recreation staff, monitoring forms, and on-site observations. There were positive changes in all major outcomes, including knowledge; sun protection habits of parents, children, and staff; readiness to change; sun protection policies; and sun protection norms. The changes ranged from improvements of 3% to more than 20%, and several changes were statistically significant. The results demonstrated the feasibility and short-term impact of Hawaii's SunSmart program and suggested areas for refinement and expansion.