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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Valentina A. Andreeva¹, Kim D. Reynolds, PhD¹, David B. Buller, PhD², Chih-Ping Chou, PhD¹, and Amy L. Yaroch, PhD³. (1) Keck School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, 1000 South Fremont Avenue, Unit 8, Alhambra, CA 91803, 626-457-6613, andreeva@usc.edu, (2) Klein Buendel, 1667 Cole Blvd, Suite 225, Golden, CO 80401, (3) Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Health Promotion Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Room 4074/MSC 7335, Bethesda, MD 20892

A strong link exists between childhood sunlight exposure and skin cancer in adulthood. Further, skin cancer causation models include both non-behavioral (UVR, built environment, genetics) and behavioral (activity demands, norms) determinants. Existing research on sun-safety has relied on regression modeling which does not assess simultaneous predictors of sun protection. In order to fill this gap and to determine the strength of the associations, the relationships among four distinct predictors of sun protection in a large US adolescent sample (N=1734) were assessed with structural equation models. The predictors included self-reported knowledge about sunburns and skin cancer, perceived peer norms, perceived barriers to sun protection, and pro-tanning attitudes. The outcome, self-reported sun-safety, was measured with three items utilizing a 5-point Likert scale response format. Findings indicated that the primary model had a good empirical fit (CFI=0.957). Sun-safety had a significant positive association with knowledge and a significant negative association with pro-tanning attitudes, such as desire for a suntan (p<0.05). Pro-tanning attitudes were significantly and positively associated with perceived peer norms regarding avoidance of sun protection (p<0.05). Overall, the structural relationships among the constructs were supported, although two of the hypothesized paths (between sun-safety and peer norms and perceived barriers, respectively) were not statistically significant. It is possible that the generalizability of these findings might be somewhat limited due to the sample selection. However, improved knowledge of the determinants of sun-safety among adolescents is critical for the design of successful interventions targeting this behavior.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will recognize the relative importance of several psychosocial determinants of sun-safety among youth. This knowledge can aid in the development of innovative youth-targeted sun-safety interventions.

Keywords: Health Behavior, Children and Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered