Girlguides' awareness of and attitudes towards sun risks and sun-protective behaviours

Abstract

This study was designed to explore girlguiding members' awareness of and attitudes towards sun risks and sun-protection behaviours. Girlguides represent a particularly important group for exploring awareness and attitudes, not only because of their adolescent age range but also because of the time they spend participating in a variety of outdoor activities. Two focus groups were facilitated, with a total of 10 participants between the ages of 12 and 18 years. Four themes were identified following thematic analysis of the data, which capture the awareness and attitudes of the participants: 1) Uncertainty over the specifics; 2) The importance of the influence of others; 3) Tanned appearance is positive; 4) The importance of increased education. The implications of the research include a need for further education in schools and at home, as well as in groups such as girlguiding, so that young people, especially adolescent girls, understand the importance of protecting themselves from ultraviolet radiation.