Randomized trial evaluating computer-based sun safety education for children in elementary school.
BACKGROUND
Interactive multimedia programs derived from the Sunny Days, Healthy Ways (SDHW) sun safety curriculum were evaluated with children aged 5-13.


METHODS
A randomized pretest to posttest 3-group study was conducted with 871 students in 12 primary schools in the western United States comparing computer programs alone, teacher-led presentation, or both combined.


RESULTS
Computer programs with teacher-led presentation improved knowledge over either treatment individually (P = .001). The combination improved self-reported sun protection in lower but not higher grades over teacher-led presentation (P = .005).


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-based sun safety instruction used with teacher instruction in primary schools may improve sun safety, especially with younger children.
Klein Buendel, Inc., Golden, CO 80401, USA. mbuller@ kleinbuendel.com
Mary K
MK
Buller
Ilima L
IL
Kane
Robert C
RC
Martin
Aimee J
AJ
Giese
Gary R
GR
Cutter
Laura M
LM
Saba
David B
DB
Buller
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012574:Schools; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D040241:Social Marketing; D012984:Software; D013472:Sunlight; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*