Claudine Backes is a PhD student at the University of Lausanne since October 2014.
Her thesis on solar UV modelling combines numeric simulation tool outcomes, cancer registry data, results from epidemiological surveys on occupational exposure, environmental and individual factors to estimate effective anatomical UV doses and implement tailor-made prevention messages for occupational and public health.
Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the project PURSUE (Predict Solar UV Exposure and Skin Cancer Prevention) represents the framework of her thesis, which is co-directed by Dr. PD Jean-Luc Bulliard and Prof. David Vernez

TITLE: Sun protective behaviour and knowledge in primary and secondary schoolchildren in Western Switzerland (part 1)

Master's student: Anne Vuadens (2014-16)

Background:  Switzerland has one of the highest incidence of skin cancer in Europe. Rates of melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, are steadily increasing and are highest in the french-speaking part of Switzerland. Yet, skin cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers. Sun protection measures reduce the exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is responsible for most skin cancers. Sunburns during childhood and adolescence are critical as they increase the risk of developing melanoma in adulthood. However, little is known about sun protection behaviour and knowledge of Swiss children.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate sun protective behaviour and knowledge of schoolchildren of various ages in the canton of Neuchâtel.

Methods: All pupils from 5^th, 8^th and 11^th grades in the 18 public schools of La Chaux-de-Fonds were surveyed during regular school lessons under supervision of the class teacher (n=1268). Two versions of a printed multiple-choice questionnaire were used, one for primary schools (5^th grade, n=431), the other for secondary schools (8^th and 11^th grades, n=837). The questionnaires were adapted from a survey conducted in the canton of Basel and questions assessed pupils’ knowledge about the adverse health effects of UVR and means of protection, attitude towards a suntan, self-reported sunburn history, current sun protective behaviour, and the role of parents in their sun protection. Response rate was high (1155/1268, 91%). Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses will be performed.

Expected results and significance: This study should significantly improve our knowledge about use and means of sun protection, attitudes and behaviour towards the sun of children in Western Switzerland. Determinants of use of various sun protection measures and of sunburn will be evidenced. Analysis will in particular consider the gender, the school year, the socioeconomical class of the family, the skin type of the children, and the influence of the parental education. Areas where sun-related education can be improved will be identified. Also, comparisons with other studies will permit to assess whether sun protective behaviour and knowledge of Neuchâtel’s children present peculiarities that sun educational messages should consider.