Sun-protective behaviours of primary school students at swimming carnivals in Townsville
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Background/Aims: It is well known that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the primary environmental factor for the development of skin cancer. Queensland government primary school students are expected to wear swim-shirts when participating in water-activities but these are not compulsory when competing. Hat and shirt-wearing behaviours of primary school students in Townsville were observed at swimming carnivals. Method: Inter-school swimming carnivals held in March each year from 2009 to 2015 inclusive were observed. Of the 41 schools observed, 66% were Cancer Council Queensland-accredited SunSmart Schools (SSS). Results: Less than a third of all students observed wore a hat and only 77% wore a shirt while not competing. Students attending non-government schools were more than twice as likely to be seen wearing a hat compared to public students, although the proportions for both groups were low at 41% vs 18.2% respectively. The proportion of student spectators wearing a hat and shirt were similar,irrespective of their SunSmart status (hats: SSS 36.3% vs. non-SSS 23.6%; shirts: SSS 77.3% vs. non-SSS 76.2%). Conclusion: Student spectators at swimming carnivals need encouragement to wear a hat and shirt, particularly since UVR reflected off pool water presents an additional risk factor for overexposure. SunSmart status was not associated with improved sun-protective behaviours. Voluntary use of swim-shirts may be a significant barrier to the uptake of sun-protection at swimming carnivals, where the risk of sunburn is high. A comprehensive, school community-based sun-protection intervention is being trialled in Townsville schools to improve declining sun-protection practices.
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16
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1448-4706
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1
Location
Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Australasian College of Tropical Medicine
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Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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