Investigation on the Awareness and Behavior of Primary School Students on Sunscreen Use in Beijing

• Published in: Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology Vol. 15; pp. 887 - 894
• Main Authors: Gao, Ying-Shu, Lai, Di-Hui, Cheng, Shao-Wei, Li, Qing, Hao, Jian-Chun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Zealand Dove Medical Press Limited 31.05.2022; Dove; Dove Medical Press
• Subjects: awareness; behavior; Elementary school students; Original Research; primary school students; Skin; sunscreen; Surveys; ultraviolet; China; sunscreen; primary school students; awareness; behavior; ultraviolet
• ISSN: 1178-7015; 1178-7015
• DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S365856

This study aims to understand primary school students' behavior and awareness of sun exposure and sunscreen in Beijing, China. 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. 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. 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.