Clinical Research Directory

Pediatricians and Family Physicians Knowledge and Awareness on Sun Protection

Sponsor: Marmara University

Summary

Sunlight has very important effects on the body. In addition to its positive effects such as regulation of circadian rhythm, synthesis of vitamin D and regulation of mood, it also has negative effects on the skin such as sunburn, hyperpigmentation, photoaging and skin cancer formation. These negative effects are known to be caused by ultraviolet (UV) (10 to 400 nm) rays of sunlight. It is known that skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma may develop in adults as a result of excessive exposure to UV rays. It has been shown that the development of skin cancer is rare in childhood. Although skin cancers are not common in the pediatric age group, exposure to UV rays is higher than in adults. It is known that this cumulative exposure that develops over time may lead to the development of skin cancer in later ages. Therefore, it is argued that effective protection from UV rays is important in the pediatric age group. Guidelines emphasize the importance of preventive counseling in early childhood for reasons such as high sun exposure in the pediatric age group, increase in cumulative exposure with advancing age, prevention of the known adverse effects of sun rays with simple precautions, application of sun protection trainings given to the child for the rest of his/her life and thus decreasing the incidence of skin cancers. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize the following 5 basic points about reducing UV exposure in early childhood: * Avoid going outside between 10.00-15.00 when the sun is at its peak, * Usage of broad spectrum sunscreen children over 6 months, * Using a hat, clothing that fully protects the body, sunglasses, umbrellas when going outside, * When spending time outdoors, spend more time in shaded areas, * Avoidance of indoor tanning. In this sense, it is of critical importance that all physicians have the necessary knowledge and equipment to provide preventive counseling on the negative effects of sunlight on the skin and cancer development. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the knowledge levels of Pediatricians and Family Physicians about sun protection and to increase their knowledge and awareness levels about sun protection in order to provide preventive counseling for the pediatric age group and their families.

Official title: Increasing the Knowledge and Awareness Levels of Pediatricians and Family Physicians on Sun Protection Methods

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