Sunlamp use, which is popular in young people, increases the risk of malignant melanoma and other skin cancers. Recent research identifies appearance concerns as crucial in predicting tanning behaviors. Despite this, most prevention programs have used health education approaches, with generally minimal behavioral effects. This study utilized the Theory of Alternative Behavior to design and implement an appearance-based skin cancer prevention intervention in college-aged individuals. 200 college-aged respondents were recruited (73% participation), and randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Participants did not differ from non-participants on any of the dependent variables. Intervention and control respondents did not significantly differ at pre-intervention assessment. At post-test, intervention (two-weeks later) respondents differed significantly from controls in terms of reported intentions to: 1) use a sunlamp in the next year, 2) use one more than ten times, 3) maintain a tan all year long, 4) use a sunlamp after tanning in the sun, 5) tan in the nude, and 6) wear protective goggles while using a sunlamp. All changes were in the expected direction. At two-month follow-up, intervention respondents reported using a sunlamp 1/2 as much as control respondents in the previous two-months (p , < .05). By focusing on appearance, and designing an intervention using a strong theoretical model and empirical data, our multivariate approach was able to produce statistically and clinically significant changes in sunlamp use tendencies which could have a beneficial effect on the future development of skin cancer.
Keywords: Cancer Prevention, Health Education Strategies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.