SUN PROTECTION: KNOWLEDGE AND HABITS IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION ; Proteção solar: Conhecimentos e hábitos na população pediátrica

Introduction: Intense solar exposure during the first decade in life is known to be closely related to photoaging as well as to the development of skin cancer. Parents should be responsible in fostering healthy habits, protecting their children from the risks associated to excessive sun exposure.Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and to understand the caregiver’s habits regarding sun protection of children/adolescents in outpatient and our Pediatric emergency department.Material and Methods:Cross-sectional studyin which was applied a questionnaire onsocio-economic data, as well as knowledge and habits concerning sun protection. Frequency tables and chi-square tests were applied,statistically significant p <0.05.Results: Sample totaled 249 caregivers. The period of the day of greatest exposure to sunlight was after4:00pm (52%). In respect to the number of hours of daily sun exposure, the most reportedwasup to three hours a day (68% children/adolescents and 64% of caregivers). Regarding the use of sunscreen, 92% of children/adolescents and 85% of caregivers responded affirmatively, being that this result was statistically significant (p <0.05). Caregivers showed to acquire more information/knowledge about sun protection through the media (44%).Conclusion: Prevention and multidisciplinary follow-up are of utmost importance. An efficient articulation between the family doctor and the pediatrician is crucial. As family physicians, we must be aware of this reality and should be more efficient than any other means. ; Introdução: A exposição solar intensa nas primeiras décadas de vida relaciona-se com o fotoenvelhecimento cutâneo e desenvolvimento de cancro da pele. Os pais devem responsabilizar- se pela sua fotoproteção e fomentar hábitos saudáveis nas crianças, sendo importante evitar ou diminuir o tempo de exposição solar.Objetivos: Avaliar os conhecimentos e hábitos dos cuidadores relativamente à proteção solar das crianças/adolescentes, na consulta externa e serviço de urgência de Pediatria do ...