Direct measurement of sun protection in primary schools

Abstract

BACKGROUND: "Kidskin" is an intervention study involving children at 33 primary schools in Perth, Western Australia. This study includes measurement of changes in implementation of schools' sun protection policies. This paper reports on measurement of observable aspects of sun protection. METHODS: Hat use was assessed from videos of children in the playground. Shade use was measured using UVR-sensitive polysulfone badges worn by a random sample of children. Shade provision was measured from aerial photographs of the schools. Principals were surveyed about school policies and practices. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of children wore a hat during lunch time at school, although only 14% wore th..