Cluster randomised controlled trial of adolescents' use of built shade in secondary schools

Project Description

Despite awareness of skin cancer prevention messages, the majority of Australian adolescents desire a suntan and under-use personal sun protection methods.

This intervention study examined the effects of building shade sails in secondary schools to examine whether students used or avoided built shade. In a controlled study involving a total of 51 Melbourne schools, we found more students used the newly shaded intervention sites, compared with full-sun control sites. There was no evidence of shade avoidance.

Year

2004 - present

Researchers

Suzanne Dobbinson, Melanie Wakefield, Vicki White and external colleagues - Vanessa White, Kris Jamsen, Trish Livingston, Dallas English and Julie Simpson

Funding Body

VicHealth, National Health & Medical Research Council

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