Graduate Research School Available Projects Evaluation of a policy-based intervention to improve the sun-protection (body surface coverage) of school uniforms in Queensland

Evaluation of a policy-based intervention to improve the sun-protection (body surface coverage) of school uniforms in Queensland

Title of Project

Advisor/s

Dr Simone Harrison , Dr Dmitry Konovalov, Dr Annika Smith

College or Research Centre

College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Science

Summary of Project

Study Objective(s):

The proposed project aims to compare the body surface coverage of summer school uniforms and the brim-width of hats worn in a representative sample of Queensland primary and secondary schools before and after a policy-based intervention. This policy-based intervention involved a change in Education Queensland Procurement Policies (2018-2019) and implementation of sun-safe clothing guidelines based on the revised Australian and New Zealand Standard for sun-protective clothing (AS/NZS 4399:2017; AS 4399:2020). The proposed research will determine whether the intervention initiated in 2019 improved the level of sun-protection afforded by Queensland Government summer school uniforms relative to baseline.

Potential sources of data:

Body surface area measurements made by SLH on size 6 and size 12 school uniform samples, and hat brim widths at baseline (pre-intervention) in 2018.

Significance:

In light of evidence showing that garments covering more body surface reduce the risk of developing melanoma (Harrison et al., 2010), it has been suggested that the rating system for sun-protective clothing should incorporate body surface coverage as well as the UPF of the fabric (Harrison & Downs, 2015 & 2018). If the proposed project demonstrates that this procurement policy intervention was successful, it will provide a model that could be implemented by government education departments in other Australian states and territories and New Zealand, as well as the independent schools association of Aust to improve sun-protection in schools. The proposed project may also lead to a model for dissemination that can be used by whole-of-government for their employees.

Key Words

skin cancer; sun exposure; ultraviolet radiation; clothing; textiles; design; artificial intelligence; industry standard; prevention; school; uniform; melanoma; sunburn

Would suit an applicant who

This project is suitable for masters students and with the inclusion of an additional component would also be suitable for a PhD (i.e. examine whether sun-protective garments currently being sold in Australia comply with the revised Australian Standard for sun-protective clothing).

Smaller components of the project could be adjusted to suit Hons, Grad Dip or even dissertation subjects within the MPH program and can be arranged by negotiation with the advisors.

Updated: 01 Mar 2022