Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Dermatology
Date Submitted: May 15, 2020
Date Accepted: Mar 23, 2021
A sun safety pilot program utilizing a tanning myths-focused video contest for Utah adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Adolescents are susceptible to excessive ultraviolet exposure due to intentional tanning, outdoor lifestyles and poor sunscreen adherence. As skin cancer incidence continues to rise in the United States, effective and focused interventions are needed to encourage photoprotective behaviors.
Objective:
This study seeks to determine poor photoprotective behavior risk factors in adolescents residing in Utah and whether video contest participants have increased sun protective knowledge and intentions.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed Utah high school students (n=20) who participated in a tanning myths-themed public service announcement video contest. A control cohort of students who did not participate in the video contest were also surveyed (n=89). Demographics, sun exposure history, intentions to tan, and intentions to use sunscreen were documented. Knowledge of tanning myths was assessed with a seven-question sun safety quiz.
Results:
Survey response rate was 93%. 66.1% reported at least one sunburn and 47.7% reported intentional tanning within the past two years. Higher tanning intentions were associated with personal (p<0.001), family (p=0.001), and peer (p<0.001) history of tanning. Video contest participants had higher sun safety quiz scores (p<0.001) and higher sunscreen use intentions (p=0.011), but did not have decreased tanning intentions (p=0.47) compared to non-video contest participants. Hispanic and African-American students were less likely to participate in the video contest (p<0.001 and p=0.04, respectively). Comparing white and non-white students, there were no differences in sun exposure history, but non-white students had lower sun safety knowledge (p=0.01) and lower sunscreen use intention (p=0.02).
Conclusions:
Sun safety educational disparities exist, and targeted efforts are needed to encourage photoprotective behaviors in high risk populations. Our findings suggest that video contest participation may encourage sunscreen use and sun protection awareness.
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