Sun Protection Read-Along Books: Assessing the Feasibility of Delivering the Intervention in Pediatrician’s Offices

Background: Sun exposure, particularly during childhood, is an important contributing factor in developing melanoma later in life. Objective: To develop a family-centered, self-reinforcing sun protection educational intervention that supports pediatrician’s anticipatory guidance and assess the feasibility of delivering the sun protection intervention in pediatrician offices, and use of sun protection among those receiving the intervention. Methods: Focus groups and structured interviews with stakeholders supported the iterative design process for the read-along book to be read by caregivers with 2-6 year old children. A feasibility study examined distribution of the read-along books and shirts in pediatrician’s offices, whether the books were read and how often, and sun protection used. Results: The read-along books were distributed to 153 children in two ambulatory office locations. Offices that usually distributed books to enhance literacy distributed the read-along book more than those who did not customarily distribute books. (p<0.05) Sixty-two percent of the caregivers (n=95) read the book with their child and 72% of them (n=68) read the book more than 5 times in the prior week. After receiving the intervention, caregivers responded that 43.8% (n=67) of the children wore a hat, 57.5% (n=88) of the children wore the swim shirt, and 13.1% (n=20) of the children got sunburn/skin irritation in the past week. The caregivers of all children with a sunburn or skin irritation reported that they did not receive the book (n=31) or that they did not read the book (n=9). The relationship between the caregiver’s education and child’s sunburn/skin irritation was significant as was the caregivers’ education and the skin type of the child (p <0.05). Conclusion: Distribution of read-along books in offices that promote literacy by giving books to children was feasible. The book reinforced sun protective behaviors with family-centered, self-reinforcing education with repeated reading at home.