Sun Safety in Rural Youth: Exploring Knowledge, Preferences, and Behaviors

Background:

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with prolonged sun exposure significantly increasing the risk. Rural youth, particularly in agricultural regions like South Georgia, experience high levels of UV exposure but may lack sufficient knowledge about sun safety. Understanding their awareness, preferences, and behaviors regarding sun protection is crucial for developing effective educational interventions.

Objective:

The primary objective is to survey students in the South Georgia community about their knowledge of sun safety prior and following a presentation on the topic of skin protection. The findings of this survey, as well as the informative presentation will help promote the importance of skin checks, daily sunscreen use, and overall youth empowerment on the topic of sun safety.

Methods:

Middle and high school students at Georgia Christian School in Valdosta, GA, completed pre- and post-surveys evaluating their sun safety knowledge, behaviors, and sources of information. The intervention included a structured presentation covering the risks of UV exposure, effective sun protection methods, and skin cancer prevention strategies.

Results:

Pre-survey data revealed limited sun protection habits, with most students using sunscreen inconsistently. White students reported higher sunscreen use, while Hispanic and Asian students preferred protective clothing. Social influences, including family and social media, shaped students' perceptions of tanning and sun exposure. Post-survey results demonstrated a significant increase in sun safety awareness, with 69% recognizing its importance and 90% reporting confidence in identifying skin cancer signs. Intentional tanning preferences declined, though some students maintained previous attitudes.

Conclusion:

Education significantly improves sun safety knowledge and influences protective behaviors among rural youth. Tailored interventions considering cultural differences can enhance long-term sun safety practices, ultimately reducing skin cancer risks in high-exposure regions.