UV detection stickers may improve use of sunscreen in adolescents during sporting events in high UV environments

July 18, 2020

Abstract

Sunscreen is a popular form of sun protection and when applied sufficiently (2mg/cm2) has been shown to block the harmful molecular effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV). This field study tested the effectiveness of UV detection stickers to improve sunscreen use. During a rugby league two-day sporting event (28-29 February 2020) in Queensland, Australia interested players 14 to 18 years old were provided with access to free sunscreen on DAY-1 and during the subsequent day (DAY-2) were provided with a free UV detection sticker and access to sunscreen. On DAY-2, one UV detection sticker was handed out to 550 attendees. The sunscreen bottles were weighted periodically by research staff throughout both event days. Primary outcomes were sunscreen usage. Overall, 868g of sunscreen was used across both DAY-1 and DAY-2, with 19% (167g) of sunscreen used on DAY-1 and 81% (701g) of sunscreen used on DAY-2. This resulted in a greater than 3-fold improvement in sunscreen use on DAY-2 when the UV detection stickers were provided. We found UV detection stickers may improve use of sunscreen in adolescents during sporting events in high UV environments.

Source:

Caitlin Horsham, Helen Ford, Elke Hacker, Promoting sunscreen use in adolescents playing outdoor sports using UV detection stickers, Preventive Medicine Reports, 2020, 101166, ISSN 2211-3355, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101166.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335520301261)