Oral Presentation Skin Cancer 2024

Use of electronic dosimeters, wearables, and real-time UV index displays in hands-on school-based skin cancer education programmes (#11)

Martin W Allen 1
  1. University of Canterbury, Christchurch, CANTERBURY, New Zealand

School-based education programmes present a powerful skin cancer primary prevention opportunity. Harmful UV exposure in childhood and adolescence is known to significantly increase melanoma risk in adulthood while lifetime patterns of sun exposure and protection are strongly influenced by knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours learnt at school. We present an extended “SunSmart UV Lab” education programme in which primary and secondary school children scientifically investigate the sun protection provided by shade, sun hats, clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen using data collected by the students themselves using electronic dosimeters, wearables, and solar-powered UV Index meters.1,2 Self-powered electronic displays are set up around the school, both during and after the intervention, to continuously display UV Index levels and deliver SunSmart reminder messages to help ensure that the lessons learnt are reinforced and retained. By participating in a systematic investigation into their own school UV environment, students personally learn about the nature and risks of UV radiation rather than just being told what to do. Levels of engagement are significantly higher when students directly learn about the nature of UV radiation and the effectiveness of different SunSmart behaviours themselves compared to non-experiential programmes.3

  1. 1. M.W. Allen, N. Swift, K.M. Nield, B. Liley, and R.L. McKenzie, “Use of electronic UV dosimeters in measuring personal UV exposures and public health education,” Atmosphere 11, 744 (2020)
  2. 2. S.E. Cole, M. Hawkins, K.A. Miller, M.W. Allen, and M. Cockburn, “Correlation between Objective Measures of Sun Exposure and Self-Reported Sun Protective Behavior and Attitudes in Predominantly Hispanic Youth,” Photochemistry and Photobiology, 99, 1037 (2023)
  3. 3. M.L. Solano, S. Robinson, M.W. Allen, G. Reyes-Marcelino, D. Espinoza, B. Beswick, D.H.K. Tse, L. Ding, L. Humphreys, C. Van Kemenade, S. Dobbinson, A.K. Smit, and A.E Cust, “Effect of an interactive educational activity using handheld ultraviolet radiation dosimeters on sun protection knowledge among Australian primary school students,” Preventive Medicine Reports, 25, 101690 (2022)