Knowledge Levels of Kindergarten Teachers About Skin Cancer, Sun Protection Behaviors, and Affecting Factors

Knowledge and Protective Behaviors of Teachers on Skin Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study from Turkey

BACKGROUND

People socialize and receive education and training for the first time outside the home at school, where their teachers act as role models. Teachers play a crucial role in instilling sun-protection habits in children. Avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., staying in the shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, wearing sunglasses, wearing hats, using sunscreen products, and using an umbrella are some of the sun-protection methods described in the literature. This study sought to assess teachers' skin cancer knowledge and attitudes (SC).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study conducted between 21 September 2020, and 21 October 2020, 647 teachers from 30 schools in Kahramanmaras were included with their consent. The number of teachers employed at Kahramanmaras was 1863. Accordingly, the sample was found to be 641 with a 5% margin of error and a 99% confidence interval. Schools were selected by a simple random method. Teachers' knowledge and behaviors were assessed using a 25-point questionnaire designed by the literature data to gauge the level of SC knowledge.

RESULTS

Of the 647 teachers included in this study, 230 (35.5%) were male, and 417 (64.5%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 38.44 ± 8.79 (min = 22, max = 65) years. The knowledge level of the teachers about SC was 13.54 ± 4.48 (min = 0, max = 23). The internet (75.9%) was the most preferred source of information. SC knowledge level was significantly higher in those with SC in their families and birthmarks on their bodies. (p < 0.001, p = 0.042, respectively). The rate of precaution taken to protect from the sun was higher in those with higher knowledge (p = 0.032). Women, primary school teachers, those with skin type 1, those with multiple nevi, and those with a high level of SC knowledge used statistically significantly more sunscreen (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.037, p = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that the knowledge level of teachers about skin cancer and sun-protective behaviors was moderate. Correct behaviors increased as knowledge about SC grew. Information and recommendations made on the Internet should be made by experts. Additionally, health policymakers should implement projects aimed at improving teachers' knowledge and behaviors and, through them, teaching students about SC; as such projects would significantly contribute to both public health and health economics.

The Communal Sense on Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge and Behavior on an Island with Four Seasons of Sun

Purpose: This study aims to determine the relationship between skin cancer and sun knowledge and sun protection behavior of adults living in Dikmen region. Methods: The type of research was cross-sectional. From the population served by the primary health care center (N=1078) located in Dikmen region, the sample of n=284 individuals who applied to the health center while the study was being conducted and volunteered to participate in the study were taken. The data were collected with the 'Socio-Demographic data form', 'Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale', 'Skin Cancer and Sun Information Scale' and 'Sun Protection Behavior Scale'. Frequency, percentage, mean, Independent t Test, One-way Anova and Pearson Correlation Test were used for data analysis. Results: Participants had the mean age of 49.04±17.65 and 53.2% of them were female. When the skin types of participants were examined according to the Fitzparick classification, it was found that 32.7% of them had average skin color and there were no individuals with very dark/black skin. The 'Skin cancer and sun knowledge scale' of the participants were determined as 12.88±2.51 (min:7.0; max:21.0). The total mean score of the participants in the 'Sun protection behavior scale' was 23.67±6.84 (min:8.0; max:40.0). A positive, weak, statistically valuable relationship was realized between the participants' overall mean score of the 'Skin Cancer and Sun Information Scale' and the total mean score of the 'Sun Protection Behavior Scale' (p

UV Index Does Not Predict Ocular Ultraviolet Exposure

Purpose

The ultraviolet index (UVI), available online, is an international linear scale of levels from 0 to 13+ that warns about the risk of sunburn; however, it does not address the risk to eyes. Our purpose was to develop a useful instrument to warn the public against ocular ultraviolet (OUV) exposure and to serve as a tool for researching UV-induced ocular diseases.

Methods

A rotating model head that included ultraviolet B (UVB) sensors documented UV irradiance at the crown and at the eyes spanning eight azimuths from sunrise to sunset under different climatic conditions in each season. The dose intensities obtained were compared with their respective UVI levels. Doses to the eyes were mathematically transformed to develop an OUV index with linear levels from 0 to 13+, similar to the UVI. Then, readings from both instruments were compared.

Results

UV exposure at the crown increases with solar culmination, whereas that to the eye is greater under low rather than maximum solar altitude. The OUV index levels were higher than recorded UVI levels in the summer under low solar altitude in the early morning and mid- to late afternoon and were markedly higher all day in winter when solar altitude remains low.

Conclusions

The UVI does not provide sufficient warning about the risks of ocular UV damage. The proposed OUV index is a useful instrument to warn the public against OUV exposure and to serve as a tool for researching UV-induced ocular diseases.

Translational Relevance

The OUV index is useful to prevent ocular UV-related diseases.