Skin cancer prevention in early childhood: An evaluation of a health education intervention among students in a preschool vocational programme

Objective To evaluate the effects on knowledge and attitudes towards the protection of children from ultraviolet (UV) exposure among students in a preschool vocational programme. The analyses included gender and socioeconomic differences, and changes in the response pattern during the intervention period. Setting Upper secondary schools in the Child and Recreation Study Programme, Stockholm County, Sweden. Method Swedish school authorities run a vocational study programme for students aged 16-19 who have opted for work in preschool services. A lesson on UV protection (2 x 45-minutes) given by an external specialist in cancer prevention was integrated in the curriculum. A questionnaire was administered immediately after the lesson to assess attitudes to tanning and cognitive impact regarding UV protection of children. Field conditions allowed pretesting only for 24/1389 students. Resampling techniques were therefore applied by simulation of missing pretest values, and compared with classic pretesting by parametric and nonparametric tests. Results Independent of the individual students' own attitudes towards UV exposure, the protection of children from sunburn was reported as important. Increased learning could be observed among female students. Females also reported a significantly greater interest than males in protecting children. No significant differences between socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and others were observed. During the evaluation period 1996-1999 the response pattern varied significantly due to rainy or sunny summer periods prior to the intervention. Finally, there was no significant difference between the mean values of the 1000 simulations for each statement, compared to the mean value of the 24 pretest values.