Parent and child perspectives on perceived barriers to child sun protection and their association with sun protection strategies among children of melanoma survivors

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Children with an elevated familial risk for melanoma inconsistently implement sun protection behaviors that could mitigate their melanoma risk. Little is known about perceived barriers to child sun protection among this at-risk group and their parents, and the extent to which perceived barriers are associated with child sun protection. The goal of this study was to examine, among children with a family history of melanoma, the frequency with which children and their parents reported barriers to child sun protection and the extent to which barriers were associated with reported use of sun protection among children. METHODS: Children with a family history of melanoma and their parents completed questionnaires assessing perceived barriers and reported child use of sun protection. RESULTS: Common barriers to child sun protection included being bothered by implementing the behavior or forgetting. A greater number of perceived barriers were associated with less frequent child use of sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and shade. CONCLUSIONS: Children at elevated risk for melanoma due to a family history of the disease and their parents perceive multiple barriers to sun protection that are associated with children's use of these melanoma preventive behaviors. Sun protection interventions for this at-risk population could provide families with specific strategies to address common barriers to implementing child sun protection.