Objective: This study aims to understand primary school students’ behavior and awareness of sun exposure and sunscreen in Beijing, China.
Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted of 232 students in grades 4– 6 at a public primary school in Beijing, including 129 boys (55.6%) and 103 girls (44.4%). The contents of the questionnaire included awareness about ultraviolet rays, sun exposure, sunscreen habits, and the understanding and use of sunscreen.
Results: The majority of the subjects (75.0%) said they had never been sunburned, and 26.3% had never been tanned. Only 7.3% of the primary school students had a comprehensive and correct understanding that sunlight will burn, cause cancer, tan, and age the skin. Sunscreen (47.8%), sunshades (47.4%), sun hats (44.4%), avoiding going out at noon (37.5%), and sunglasses (30.2%) were the most frequently used sunscreen means. Furthermore, 47.8% of primary school students used topical sunscreen for light protection, higher than other measures. The proportion of girls using sunscreen at least once a day was more than boys.
Conclusion: Primary school students in Beijing, China, do not have a comprehensive understanding of ultraviolet rays, and there are deficiencies in protective behavior. Their awareness and use of sunscreen need to be improved.
Keywords: ultraviolet, sunscreen, awareness, behavior, primary school students