The impact of the kidskin sun protection intervention on summer suntan and reported sun exposure: was it sustained?
BACKGROUND
Recognition that early sun exposure is an important risk factor for cutaneous melanoma in white populations has led to efforts to reduce children's sun exposure. 'Kidskin' was a non-randomized, school-based sun protection intervention trial in Perth, Western Australia (1995-1999). Its aim was to determine the extent to which such a program could reduce children's sun exposure.


METHODS
Kidskin involved 1614 children assigned to one of three groups: a Control, a 'Moderate' and a 'High' intervention group of 14, 11 and 8 schools respectively. The unit of assignment was the school. Control schools received the standard health education curriculum, while intervention schools received a multi-component intervention including a specially designed curriculum. The High intervention group received additional components. Outcomes included parent reported sun-related behaviors and objectively measured suntan at the end of summer vacation. These outcomes were observed every 2 years. Statistical analyses allowed for correlations between students within schools.


RESULTS
Kidskin initially had favorable effects on reported sun exposure and measured suntan. However, at the end of the 4-year program, and again 2 years later, little evidence of a favorable effect remained.


CONCLUSIONS
The benefits of childhood sun protection interventions may not last beyond the life of the program.
Milne
Elizabeth
E
Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, PO Box 855, West Perth 6872, Western Australia. lizm@ichr.uwa.edu.au
Jacoby
Peter
P
Giles-Corti
Billie
B
Cross
Donna
D
Johnston
Robyn
R
English
Dallas R
DR
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010290:Parents; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services; D013334:Students; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014904:Western Australia
D013473:Sunscreening Agents