Tag - study

UV wristbands helping adolescents to stay safe in the sun

Sun Protection

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. Read more >

UV-detecting stickers warn young footballers to apply sunscreen

Public Health Skin Cancer Sun Protection
  • 14-18-year-old rugby league players participated in sunscreen use study
  • Young adult competitive sport players have report high rates of sunburn
  • UV-detection sticker on exposed skin turns purple to indicate sunscreen should be applied
  • Young players responded to wearing a sticker with an increase in sunscreen use

QUT public health researcher Dr Elke Hacker, from the Faculty of Health’s School of Public Health and Social Work studied the response of 550 young rugby league players  at the Adrian Vowles Cup, a two-day carnival in Charleville, to wearing a sticker that changes colour when more sunscreen should be applied to keep skin safe from sun exposure.

The UV-detection stickers use UV sensitive dyes and a patented technology called dermatrue™ that absorbs sunscreen, just like skin does. Wearers put them on skin exposed to the sun and apply sunscreen over the sticker along with the rest of the body part being protected. Read more >