Sun-related behaviors, attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors.

BACKGROUND: Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Outdoor sports increased sun exposure times. Sun protection behaviors and attitudes are utmost importance to reduce sun exposure. AIMS: To evaluate sun exposure habits, sun protection practices, and sun-related attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors. METHODS: This descriptive observational study analysed the answers of a validated self-reported questionnaire of habits, attitudes and knowledge related to sun exposure and skin cancer completed by 56 elite sailors with disabilities from 19 countries which taking part in 2019 Para World Sailing Championships. RESULTS: Three in four (76.8%) participants reported a history of sunburn in the previous season. Overall, participants showed an average for sport practice per week of 8.0 h (SD: 4.9). Participants reported a low adherence to sun protection practice, with the exception of using sunglasses (85.7%), sunscreen (83.9%) and hat (75%), having a very low rate (28.6%) of avoidance of midday sun and an inadequate sunscreen reapplication (33.9% reported "do not reapply" and 16.1% "reapply every one or 2 h"). Although 82.1% of participants reported to be worried about can get skin cancer out of the sun, they also presented excessive sun tanning attitudes (42.9% likes sunbathing and 57.1% sunbathing makes them feel well). The average score for sun-related knowledge was low (62.1 out 100 points; SD: 13.6). CONCLUSIONS: Awareness campaigns on sun risk are needed specifically directed at this target group, in order to improve their sun protection habits and reduce the rates of sunburn associated with sports practice.

Photoprotection habits, attitudes and knowledge among school communities in the Costa del sol (Spain).

BACKGROUND: Scholar photoprotection campaigns are among the most effective strategies for preventing skin cancer. Analysis of the target population constitutes a valuable starting point for the implementation of primary prevention strategies. Our aim is to study photoprotection habits, attitudes and knowledge among a Spanish school community. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study targeting schoolchildren, parents and teachers at 20 schools in the area of the Costa del Sol Health Agency in southern Spain. Two population-specific, validated questionnaires were used: the CHRESI (for children aged 0-10 years) and CHACES Questionnaire(for adults and adolescents aged > 11 years). We collected demographic data, skin colour, skin phototype, sunburn episodes, sun exposure and photoprotection practices, attitudes and knowledge. RESULTS: 1728 questionnaires were analyzed (22% parents, 14.5% teachers, 44.8% adolescents and 18.6% children). The average ages were 8 years (children), 16 years (adolescents), 39 years (teachers) and 42 years (parents). Globally, the predominant features were: male sex (52%), Spanish nationality (92%) and phototypes II-III (61%). Children, followed by adolescents, reported the highest exposure to the sun, both in frequency and in duration. Adolescents had the higher rate of sunburn (75%), followed by parents/teachers (54.1%) and children (44.1%). Children and their parents were the most likely to adopt photoprotection measures, while adolescents presented more risky attitudes. Knowledge regarding photoprotection was acceptable (6.9/10). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need to improve photoprotection knowledge, habits and attitudes among our target population. Scholars, parents and teachers in our area should be addressed in campaigns to promote healthy sun exposure habits, thus reducing skin cancer-related morbidity and mortality in this region.

Urban vegetation and particle air pollution: Experimental campaigns in a traffic hotspot.

This work presents the main results of two experimental campaigns carried out in summer and winter seasons in a complex pollution hotspot near a large park, El Retiro, in Madrid (Spain). These campaigns were aimed at understanding the microscale spatio-temporal variation of ambient concentration levels in areas with high pollution values to obtain data to validate models on the effect of urban trees on particulate matter concentrations. Two different measuring approaches have been used. The first one was static, with instruments continuously characterizing the meteorological variables and the particulate matter concentration outside and inside the park. During the summer campaign, the particulate matter concentration was clearly influenced by a Saharan dust outbreak during the period 23 June to 10 July 2016, when most of the particulate matter was in the fraction PM2.5-10. During the winter campaign, the mass concentrations were related to the meteorological conditions and the high atmospheric stability. The second approach was a dynamic case with mobile measurements by portable instruments. During the summer campaign, a DustTrak instrument was used to measure PM10 and PM2.5 in different transects close to and inside the park at different distances from the traffic lane. It was observed a decrease in the concentrations up to 25% at 20 m and 50% at 200 m. High PM10 values were linked to dust resuspension caused by recreational activities and to a Saharan dust outbreak. The highest PM values were measured at the Independencia square, an area with many bus stops and high traffic density. During the winter campaign, three microaethalometers were used for Black Carbon measurement. Both pollutants also showed a reduction in their concentrations when moving towards inside the park. For PM10 and PM2.5, reductions up to 50% were observed, while for BC this reduction was smaller, about 20%.