Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (May 2022)
Investigation on the Awareness and Behavior of Primary School Students on Sunscreen Use in Beijing
Abstract
Ying-Shu Gao,1,* Di-Hui Lai,2,* Shao-Wei Cheng,2 Qing Li,1 Jian-Chun Hao2 1Department of Dermatology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Dermatology, Beijing Chuiyangliu Hospital, Beijing, 100022, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Shao-Wei Cheng, Department of Dermatology, Beijing Chuiyangliu Hospital, No. 2 of Chuiyangliu South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100022, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 10 87726837, Email [email protected]: This study aims to understand primary school students’ behavior and awareness of sun exposure and sunscreen in Beijing, China.Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted of 232 students in grades 4– 6 at a public primary school in Beijing, including 129 boys (55.6%) and 103 girls (44.4%). The contents of the questionnaire included awareness about ultraviolet rays, sun exposure, sunscreen habits, and the understanding and use of sunscreen.Results: The majority of the subjects (75.0%) said they had never been sunburned, and 26.3% had never been tanned. Only 7.3% of the primary school students had a comprehensive and correct understanding that sunlight will burn, cause cancer, tan, and age the skin. Sunscreen (47.8%), sunshades (47.4%), sun hats (44.4%), avoiding going out at noon (37.5%), and sunglasses (30.2%) were the most frequently used sunscreen means. Furthermore, 47.8% of primary school students used topical sunscreen for light protection, higher than other measures. The proportion of girls using sunscreen at least once a day was more than boys.Conclusion: Primary school students in Beijing, China, do not have a comprehensive understanding of ultraviolet rays, and there are deficiencies in protective behavior. Their awareness and use of sunscreen need to be improved.Keywords: ultraviolet, sunscreen, awareness, behavior, primary school students
