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Evolution of sun‐protection measures for children
Author(s) -
Lebbé C.,
Robert C.,
Ricard S.,
Sassolas B.,
Grange F.,
Saiag P.,
Lhomel C.,
Mortier L.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1111/jdv.12898
Subject(s) - medicine , sun protection , telephone survey , demography , sun exposure , pediatrics , environmental health , dermatology , advertising , sociology , business
Background The prevention of melanoma can be significantly improved by targeting information directly towards the subpopulation of children and, as a means to achieve it, towards young parents. Objectives The objective of this analysis was to determine the evolution over time of the sun‐protection measures adopted by parents for their young children. Methods The Edifice Melanoma survey was based on telephone interviews of a representative sample of 1502 subjects aged ≥18 years. This particular analysis focuses on 864 adults whose children are exposed to the sun for more than 10 days a year. We compared the characteristics and attitudes of two sub‐groups of parents with regard to sun protection of young children: current‐day behaviour of parents with children <15 years and behaviour in the past of parents whose children are now ≥15 years. Results Present‐day parents are more likely than those of previous generations to systematically or often use hats (96% vs. 90%, P < 0.01), protective clothes (92% vs. 84%, P < 0.01), sunscreen (89% vs. 80%, P < 0.01) and sunglasses (63% vs. 44%, P < 0.01) for their children. Systematic application of sunscreen is also more frequent today than several years ago as reported by 81% of present‐day parents vs. 74% of those in the past ( P < 0.05). Cream is reapplied every 2 h by 41% of present‐day parents, compared to 33%, in the past ( P < 0.05). Conclusions The attitude of parents towards sun protection for their children has improved over the past decade.