Knowledge, attitudes and self-care practices related to sun protection among secondary students in Australia

The aim of this research was to ascertain changes in sun-related knowledge, attitudes and self-care practices among Australian secondary school studen ts between 1993 and 1996, Two cross-sectional surveys of sun-related attitu des, beliefs and behavior of young people aged 12-17 years of age, were con ducted in 1993 and 1996, Over 80% of adolescents at both time periods knew about the issues related to skin cancer prevention, frequency of burning an d burning on cloudy days, Adolescent attitudes had shifted positively in th e areas of staying inside in 1996 [relative risk (RR): 1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-1.17] and staying under shade in 1996 (RR: 1.16; 95% C I: 1.13-1.18), Desire for a moderate or dark tan was lower in 1996 (45%) th an in 1993 (50%). Respondents reported that they were less likely to wear b rief clothing to get a suntan in 1996 (RR: 0.81; 95% Ct: 0.78-0.84) and wer e significantly more likely to stay in the shade in 1996 (RR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.16-1.23). We conclude that there has been a shift in attitudes towards u se of shade and avoidance of unnecessary exposure, and away from use of sun screens and sunglasses. The results suggest that adolescents may be more re ady to accept structural changes that move desired activities out of the su n.