Knowledge of sun exposure and skin cancer among parents of young children

Considering that the majority of skin damage in later life is due to sun exposure during childhood, it is imperative that researchers begin to assess factors that may be related to parents' knowledge of sun exposure and skin cancer. In this study we examined the relationship between parents' skin cancer knowledge and relevant demographic characteristics and reported on the initial development of a questionnaire designed to assess parents' knowledge of skin cancer and sun exposure. Two hundred sixteen parents of children ages 6 months to 10 years completed a skin cancer knowledge questionnaire and a detailed demographic data form. Overall, the knowledge questionnaire demonstrated adequate internal consistency (a = .73), good 2-week test-retest reliability (.74), and good content validity. Further, greater skin cancer knowledge among parents was associated with higher education, lighter skin complexion, and knowing someone with skin cancer. We discuss results in the context of the role health professionals can play in educating parents of young children about the harmful effects of sun exposure.