Impact of a UV education program on the knowledge and behavior in elementary school children

Colombians are exposed year round to high doses of ultraviolet radiation. Although no reliable epidemiological data are available for the incidence of skin cancer, it is a frequent pathology not limited to advanced age classes. The current study was done at elementary schools in Cali in zones categorized at socioeconomic levels 1 to 4 to evaluate the impact of a photo-education program for its effect on the knowledge and behavior of a group of elementary school children. Five hundred forty-seven children from kindergarten to grade three were evaluated in 4 schools categorized in socioeconomic levels 1 to 4. The students were interviewed to evaluate their knowledge and behavior with regard to effects of UV exposure. One school rated at level 1-2 and one school at level 3-4 received education on UV protection. Other two schools, rated at levels 1-2 and 3-4 each received no education on UV protection. The questionnaire was repeated in the 4 schools, and a statistical analysis was done to evaluate the impact the education program had on educated and control groups. The children that received the education program showed statistically significant improvement in behavior and knowledge. The education was more effective in low socioeconomic level populations. Follow-up studies are required to evaluate how knowledge persists over time. The need of a public health campaign to educate children in skin cancer prevention is evident.