Parental knowledge and practice of primary skin cancer prevention: gaps and solutions

Over the past two decades there have been significant efforts in the United States to heighten awareness about skin cancer. Our goal was to assess parental knowledge, practice, and source of information about sun protection for their children. A questionnaire was administered to 158 parents of children at a dermatology clinic and 96 parents of children at a pediatric clinic (n=254). The survey included four parts: demographics, knowledge about skin cancer, sun protection practices, and sources of sun protection information. The mean knowledge score was 61% correct. Independent predictors of a higher score were fewer children and being a health care or other professional (p < 0.03). Independent predictors of parental sunscreen use were higher knowledge score, younger age, and fewer lifetime sunburns (p < 0.03); predictors of sunscreen use for children were higher knowledge score and fairer skin (p < 0.03). The top sources of sun protection information ranked by respondents were television and magazines; the top desired sources were primary care physicians and dermatologists. The knowledge results suggest the need for increased education about skin cancer prevention. Because the media is a major information source, it is important to ensure that messages about sun risks/protection are correct. The respondents' desire to learn more from primary care physicians emphasizes the need to educate physicians about sun protection.