Knowledge, attitudes and reported behaviours relevant to sun protection and suntanning in adolescents

Adolescence is a risk period for skin damage that may lead to skin cancer. The present study measured knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and usual self-reported behaviour relevant to sun protection and suntanning among a representative sample of 4721 secondary school students in Victoria, Australia. Using a cross-sectional design, the study investigated how the above variables varied across age group, sex, and self-rated skin sensitivity to the sun. Survey results indicate that students were highly aware of sun protection issues, that attitudes toward sun protection methods were generally positive but so were attitudes toward suntans. Those more likely to burn were more likely to hold positive attitudes to sun protection and to report sun protective behaviours. Girls, whilst generally being more knowledgeable and more pro sun-protection in their attitudes, than boys, still desired a darker tan than boys. Despite sun protection knowledge increasing with age, 15 year olds generally had attitudes and reported behaviours which were the least conducive to sun protection. Research is needed to further our understanding of the relationship between knowledge and attitude and behaviour in adolescence.