Program Evaluation

The SunWise Program recognizes a particular challenge in measuring the effectiveness of its effort to create sustained SunWise behavior, especially given the latency period associated with the onset of UV-related health effects. Therefore, the careful and consistent evaluation of program effectiveness through a variety of interim measurements -including student survey and teacher evaluation data -is integral to SunWise's success. As of 2002, data from over 6,000 student pre-tests and post-tests has been analyzed and the results are promising, with four major findings. Children ages 5-12 receiving SunWise education have:

1. Marked improvement for all knowledge variables. Identifying that wearing a hat and shirt outside were ways to keep the skin safe from the sun improved overall from 60 percent to 75 percent. Student knowledge of the need for SPF 15 improved from 50 percent at pre-test to 78 percent at post-test. Awareness of the UV Index reading that best correlated with the most optimal sun protection also improved overall from 28 percent to 57 percent.



2. Improved attitudes and beliefs about tanning. In particular, from pre-test to post-test, youngest children (ages 5 to 9) experienced a 10 percent decrease in the attitude that a tan is healthy. These findings in students receiving education are in stark contrast to more than 1,000 students in control schools (receiving no education) who had no changes in knowledge or attitudes during this comparable period.



3. Fewer sunburns. School nurses at 11 schools in six states surveyed the same children during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 school years. Among the 477 children completing three surveys, gains in knowledge and attitudes were maintained and sunburning rates were lower in the most recent summer (55 percent in summer 2001 compared with 66 percent for summer 2000).



4. Stronger intentions to avoid adverse sun exposure. Overall, intentions to play in the shade increased significantly from 70 percent to 76 percent from pre-test to posttest with more substantial differences noted in younger children.