Sun protection for children: preliminary study on the knowledge and attitudes of parents

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the knowledge and attitudes of parents about sun protection practices for children in Araxá-MG. Materials and Methods: It was a field research, with a quantitative-qualitative exploratory approach, conducted through interviews in the month of August 2010 with parents or guardians of students from the fourth grade of primary education. We conducted a semi-structured interview covering measures of sun protection, knowledge of the dangers of sun exposure and also social aspects such as family income and schooling. Results: The day period of most exposure was between 10 and 16 hours (65.5%). Concerning the amount of daily sun exposure, we found that three to four hours per day was reported more often (33.3%). Regarding the frequent use of other forms of sun protection such as hat, cap, appropriate t-shirts, glasses, 66.7% reported no use. When asked regarding the sunscreen use,50% of the participants reported that the children do not use sunscreen even when exposed to intense sun. Conclusion: The habits, care and sun exposure practices of parents towards their children are not adequate and the knowledge about the subject of skin cancer is considered by them as insufficient, although they have an understanding of the dangers of excessive sun exposure.