Sun safety is being promoted with free UV indicating wristbands and sunscreen at South Bank Parklands these school holidays in an effort to get children and young people to make sunscreen and other sun protection part of daily routine.
The initiative by Queensland Health and Surf Life Saving Queensland puts into action QUT research on the use of UV-sensing wristbands. QUT Public Health researcher Dr Elke Hacker who is an expert in the use of technology to promote sun safe habits conducted the study during November in 2019.
She said the majority of the 188 participants who were provided with a UV wristband reported increased use of sunscreen on their face and other parts of the body.
The wristbands had special UV-sensitive dyes which changed colour from white to purple when in sunlight indicating sunscreen is required or other behaviours to reduce sun exposure was needed.
“They reported high satisfaction with the UV wristband because it helped to remind them to use sun protection.” Dr Hacker said.
Dr Hacker said sunlight or ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was the main risk factor for skin cancer.
“That’s why sun protection in summer and all year should be a daily practice.”
This research was featured on Seven Facebook Page
Testing Wearable UV Sensors to Improve Sun Protection in Young Adults at an Outdoor Festival: Field Study has been published in the JMIR mHealth and uHealth.
