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Sun Protection and Tanning Behaviors in Caregivers: Prevalence, Determinants, and Associations with Children’s Behaviors

Author

Listed:
  • Katharina Diehl

    (Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

  • Karlijn Thoonen

    (Centre for Environmental Safety and Security, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands)

  • Eckhard W. Breitbart

    (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Prävention, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany)

  • Annette B. Pfahlberg

    (Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

  • Tatiana Görig

    (Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

Abstract

The association between skin cancer and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is well established, and sun protection behavior represents an important preventative measure. In children, caregivers play a key role in this regard. The subject of this study was threefold: whether caregivers of 1 to 11 year-old children are more likely to use sun protection measures compared to non-caregivers, whether considering oneself a role model is associated with sun protection behaviors, and whether their sun protection and risk behaviors are related to children’s behaviors. We used data from the 2020 wave of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM) comprised of 4000 individuals (including 554 caregivers of at least one child aged 1–10 years) aged 16 to 65 years and living in Germany. Data were collected through telephone interviews between October and December 2020. No significant differences between caregivers and non-caregivers regarding sun protection and risk behaviors were identified (except tanning on vacation). In both groups, sun protection behaviors were deficient. Caregivers who considered themselves role models concerning sun safety were more likely to use sun protection measures (e.g., using sunscreen on the face: OR = 5.08, p < 0.001). In addition, caregivers’ sun protection behaviors were positively associated with children’s behaviors. Caregivers being highly protected against UVR were more likely to report the use of different measures by/in the child (mean = 4.03), compared to caregivers with medium (3.41) and low (2.97, p < 0.001) protection levels. However, we also found that caregivers’ risk behavior was associated with children’s reported risk behavior. For future prevention, it might be worth focusing on the aspect of caregivers serving as role models. A comprehensive public-health strategy is needed, including key figures such as pediatricians to prevent today’s children from developing skin cancer in later life.

Suggested Citation

  • Katharina Diehl & Karlijn Thoonen & Eckhard W. Breitbart & Annette B. Pfahlberg & Tatiana Görig, 2022. "Sun Protection and Tanning Behaviors in Caregivers: Prevalence, Determinants, and Associations with Children’s Behaviors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6876-:d:831587
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cornelia Fiessler & Annette B. Pfahlberg & Wolfgang Uter & Olaf Gefeller, 2018. "Shedding Light on the Shade: How Nurseries Protect Their Children from Ultraviolet Radiation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-11, August.
    2. Olaf Gefeller & Wolfgang Uter & Annette B. Pfahlberg, 2016. "Protection from Ultraviolet Radiation during Childhood: The Parental Perspective in Bavaria," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-11, October.
    3. Olaf Gefeller & Jiang Li & Wolfgang Uter & Annette B. Pfahlberg, 2014. "The Impact of Parental Knowledge and Tanning Attitudes on Sun Protection Practice for Young Children in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-14, May.
    4. Katharina Diehl & Tatiana Görig & Rüdiger Greinert & Eckhard W. Breitbart & Sven Schneider, 2019. "Trends in Tanning Bed Use, Motivation, and Risk Awareness in Germany: Findings from Four Waves of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-11, October.
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