We assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Midwestern college students with regard to sun exposure and skin protection.
A cross sectional study was performed with a sample of 312 undergraduate college students enrolled in a required introductory health education class in the Fall of 2003. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to sun exposure and skin protection were analyzed using descriptive statistics. We employed bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses to determine the predictors for sun exposure and sunscreen use. Gender differences between male and female responses for knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of sun exposure and sunscreen use were also analyzed using independent t-tests.
Results of the study revealed that more than 50% of the college students sampled spend time in the sun during high intensity UV radiation. They have favorable attitudes to sun tanning, sun bathing. Contrary to the behaviors and attitudes, knowledge of risks of sun exposure and skin cancer was found to be adequate. Very few students have an understanding of what an SPF means in a sunscreen. Females, having close friends who tan, getting frequent advice about tanning and having high risk attitudes to sun exposure predicted sun exposure. Results of multivariate regression analyses revealed that skin type, getting frequent advice about sun exposure, and positive attitudes to sunscreen use significantly predicted sunscreen use. Females had higher risk sun exposure behaviors than males. The study inferred that the majority of the study sample had adequate knowledge and awareness of sun exposure risks and skin cancer, but behaviors and attitudes did not coincide with the knowledge. Therefore, much of the study sample put themselves at risk for skin cancer.
Health promotion through communication aimed toward attitudinal barriers to skin protection is recommended. Integrating annual skin cancer screenings and cancer prevention counseling into university health programs may be beneficial. Peer role modeling, aspects of mass media and the fashion industry, can be some important portals to reach the college students in an effort to reach the goals of Healthy People 2010 for skin cancer prevention.