Reducing ultraviolet radiation exposure in children

Background Project SUNWISE evaluated the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention in reducing children's ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Methods. Across four YMCAs, 48 aquatics classes (N = 169 children, mean age = 7) were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control condition. The 6-week intervention included a UVR reduction curriculum presented at poolside by aquatics instructors and home-based activities for children and their parents. Outcome measures were (a) tanness-associated skin color dimensions assessed with a colorimeter, (b) specific daily solar protection behaviors of children as reported by parents, and (c) general solar protection behaviors. Results. Controlling for intraclass clustering in all analyses, at posttest, no statistically significant between-group differences were found in tanness, daily solar protection scores, or general sunscreen use. The intervention group showed significantly greater general hat use relative to controls. Conclusions. The intervention failed to impact most of the outcome measures. Supplementing the behavior-focused intervention package with environmental supports may be warranted. (C) 1997 Academic Press.