4 research outputs found
A novel skin cancer prevention strategy: Preservice teachers\u27 perceptions of a sun safety intervention and experiences in schools
Issue addressed: Teachers play a vital role in developing children\u27s sun protection routines however upskilling preservice teachers (PSTs) while at university has not yet been trialled as a targeted skin cancer prevention strategy. Hence, this study investigated PSTs perceptions and experiences of sun safety following a brief pilot intervention and placement in primary schools in Western Australia. Methods: This study used a triangulation mixed methods design. Participants (n = 161) completed a post intervention survey which was analysed quantitatively. A random sub-sample was invited to participate in focus groups (three groups, n = 21) and one-on-one interviews (n = 4). This data was transcribed and uploaded in NVIVO software for thematic analysis. Results: Participants felt the intervention increased their awareness of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with many feeling more knowledgeable, skilled and confident to teach sun safety in school settings. Most reported clear sun safety messages in their placement schools. However, only 34.4 % reported they had been briefed on the school\u27s sun safety procedures. There was consensus among PSTs that sun protection in primary schools needs to be improved to maximise the protection of children from harmful UVR overexposure. Participants supported a need for consistent sun protection messaging across primary schools with greater emphasis on education rather than compliance management to sun protection. Conclusion: Enhancing existing teacher education programs to include more rigorous curriculum content and pedagogical approaches to sun protection education is a novel skin cancer prevention strategy and could feasibly support PSTs self-efficacy to effectively deliver sun safety curriculum in Australian schools
Adolescent sun protection at secondary school athletic sporting events â a misnomer
Abstract Objective: To observe the sunâprotective practices of students and staff and related aspects of the physical environment at secondary school athletics days. Methods: This observational study of 1,225 students and 215 adult supervisors examined the use of sunâprotective items (hats, clothing coverage, sunglasses), sunscreen provision and shade. Results: Sunâprotective behaviour was poor with only 3% of students and 25% of adult supervisors wearing a sunâprotective hat. Shade was not available to most students, either as competitors or while waiting to compete. Sunscreen provision was 50%. Conclusion: Portable shade for students waiting to compete should be available at competitive events. Students should be encouraged to wear sunâprotective hats and clothing while not competing and SPF30+ broadâspectrum sunscreen should always be provided. Guidelines for adult supervisors should be developed so they role model appropriate sun protection
Estimated Healthcare Costs of Melanoma and Keratinocyte Skin Cancers in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in 2021
Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand have the highest incidence of melanoma and KC in the world. We undertook a cost-of-illness analysis using Markov decisionâanalytic models separately for melanoma and keratinocyte skin cancer (KC) for each country. Using clinical pathways, the probabilities and unit costs of each health service and medicine for skin cancer management were applied. We estimated mean costs and 95% uncertainty intervals (95% UI) using Monte Carlo simulation. In Australia, the mean first-year costs of melanoma per patient ranged from AU642, 100,725 (95%UI: 119,070) for unresectable stage III/IV disease. Australian-wide direct costs to the Government for newly diagnosed patients with melanoma were AU426.2 m for KCs, a total of AU1450 (95%UI: 1456) for melanoma in situ to NZ62,525, 51.2 m, and for KCs, was NZ180.5 m. These up-to-date national healthcare costs of melanoma and KC in Australia and New Zealand accentuate the savings potential of successful prevention strategies for skin cancer.</p