Turner, Denise, Bates, Nicole, and Harrison, Simone (2015) Sun-protective behaviours of primary school students at swimming carnivals in Townsville. In: Annals of the Australian College of Tropical Medicine (16) p. 18. From: Townsville Health Symposium 2015: Spotlight on Local Researchers, 7-9 October 2015, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Background/Aims: It is well known that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the primary environmental factor for the development of skin cancer. Queensland government primary school students are expected to wear swim-shirts when participating in water-activities but these are not compulsory when competing. Hat and shirt-wearing behaviours of primary school students in Townsville were observed at swimming carnivals.

Method: Inter-school swimming carnivals held in March each year from 2009 to 2015 inclusive were observed. Of the 41 schools observed, 66% were Cancer Council Queensland-accredited SunSmart Schools (SSS).

Results: Less than a third of all students observed wore a hat and only 77% wore a shirt while not competing. Students attending non-government schools were more than twice as likely to be seen wearing a hat compared to public students, although the proportions for both groups were low at 41% vs 18.2% respectively. The proportion of student spectators wearing a hat and shirt were similar,irrespective of their SunSmart status (hats: SSS 36.3% vs. non-SSS 23.6%; shirts: SSS 77.3% vs. non-SSS 76.2%).

Conclusion: Student spectators at swimming carnivals need encouragement to wear a hat and shirt, particularly since UVR reflected off pool water presents an additional risk factor for overexposure. SunSmart status was not associated with improved sun-protective behaviours. Voluntary use of swim-shirts may be a significant barrier to the uptake of sun-protection at swimming carnivals, where the risk of sunburn is high. A comprehensive, school community-based sun-protection intervention is being trialled in Townsville schools to improve declining sun-protection practices.

Item ID:	51565
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
ISSN:	1448-4706
Keywords:	sunlight; swimming; ultraviolet radiation
Funders:	Queensland Health
Date Deposited:	16 Nov 2017 23:35
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111716 Preventive Medicine @ 50% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111706 Epidemiology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920401 Behaviour and Health @ 100%
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