Attitudes, Barriers, Motivations to Sun Protection in Reunion Island’s Schools: Qualitative Study

Abstract

The incidence of melanoma in Reunion Island is on the rise and is now one of the highest worldwide. Although the main risk factor of melanoma is sun exposure during childhood, sun protection measures remain insufficient in Reunionese schools. From November 2019 to November 2020, we conducted a qualitative study to explore the attitudes, barriers, and motivations to sun protection among the main actors of children’s protection in Reunion Island. Individual semi-directive interviews were performed with 14 children aged 6 to 10 years, 13 parents, and 13 teachers. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Relevant data were coded, triangulated, analyzed, and then modeled following the methodology of grounded theory. Sufficiency of the data was sought. All 40 participants described their sun protection habits. Protection was lower during school activities than during leisure activities. Parents identified several practical and financial barriers to sun protection. Teachers pointed out the lack of adequate infrastructure and sun protection training. Responsibility for children’s protection was a point of disagreement between parents and teachers. Children limited their use of protection, mainly for reasons of comfort. Children’s sun protection in schools is the responsibility of educational staff, parents, and society at large. Improving communication between these various actors is necessary. Sun safety campaigns and reorganization of the school environment would allow for better protection of the child population.