Effective Sun Safety in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multicomponent Program

Improving sun-protective behaviors in children may minimize sun damage and reduce skin cancer risks later in life. Investigators performed a randomized, controlled clinical trial that included 300 pediatric patients (ages 2–6) and their caregiver; 51% were randomized to receive a read-along book, a swim shirt, and weekly text-messaged questions about sun protection that elicited a yes/no response from caregivers: (“During the past week, did your child wear a hat?”). The control group (49%) received information typically given at a well-child visit.

Caregivers were surveyed about sun exposures and sun irritation/burn at baseline and at 4-week follow-up. Spectrophotometric melanin measurements of the outer upper arm (under the shirt sleeve) we…