Awareness and clothing selection to mitigate the effect of ultraviolet light on pre-schoolchildren in Eswatini

Abstract

Sun protection has become crucial due to the effects of climate change that has resulted in effects such as extremely high temperatures. Early exposure of children to ultraviolet rays (UVR) makes them vulnerable to developing sun-related diseases later in life. Sun protection through clothing is the most affordable option to use for many people. The study assessed the awareness of sun protection for pre-school children among parents, and awareness of retailers about children′s clothing with sun-protective finishes. This exploratory and descriptive study was conducted to describe the prevailing awareness of sun-protective clothing using a questionnaire that was hand-delivered by children to their parents. A target convenience sample was selected with 20 children in each of four pre-schools from the four administrative regions of Eswatini. A research assistant interviewed managers of purposefully selected retail outlets on whether managers are aware of clothing for children with sun-protective finishes. Results showed that a majority of parents were not aware of the need to protect their children against sun exposure. Those parents who were aware mainly used clothing as a preventative measure against sun exposure. Parents, who viewed sun exposure as a health hazard, were likely to be aware of sun-protective clothing and accessories. Thus, these parents generally selected garments made from light-coloured cotton fabric. Only one retail outlet stocked merchandise with specialised tags for sun-protective clothing. In conclusion, most parents were not aware of the effects of sun exposure and the hazards associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. Only one retail outlet stocked merchandise with sun-protective finishes. The recommendation is to introduce educational programmes in schools and for consumers on protecting children against sun exposure.