title: Sun exposure and sun-protection behaviors and attitudes among U.S. youth, 11 to 18 years of age.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adolescence is a high-risk period for the development of melanoma and nonmelanocytic skin cancers later in life. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of sun-protection practices among U.S. youth.
  
  
  METHODS
  During July-October, 1998, a national, population-based telephone survey was conducted (N = 1,192 paired interviews of youth and their parents). Weighted prevalence and adjusted prevalence odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Multiple logistic regression analyses examined associations between sociodemographics, attitudes, and other modifiable correlates to specific behaviors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Routinely practiced sun-protection behaviors among youth on sunny days were wearing sunglasses (32%) or long pants (21%), staying in the shade (22%), and applying sunscreen (31%). Fifty-eight percent used a sunscreen with SPF > or =15 when at the beach or pool. Age, sex, and sun sensitivity were associated with substantial variation in some sun-protection behaviors. Factors associated with specific sun-protection behaviors included a lower appeal to tanning, a higher perceived benefit of sun protection, and information from family and friends about sun protection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Effective sun protection is practiced by less than one-third of U.S. youth. This baseline survey will help to monitor progress in skin cancer prevention in this critical age group in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia 30329-4251, USA.
authors.forename: V E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Cokkinides
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Johnston-Davis
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weinstock
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kalsbeek
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Thun
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Wingo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D002648:Child; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight; D014481:United States