Premium
Randomized trial of the impact of a sun safety program on volunteers in outdoor venues
Author(s) -
Cheng Shaowei,
Guan Xin,
Cao Mei,
Liu Yalan,
Zhai Siwen
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
photodermatology, photoimmunology and photomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.736
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1600-0781
pISSN - 0905-4383
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0781.2011.00567.x
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , randomized controlled trial , intervention (counseling) , sun protection , beijing , china , medicine , psychology , environmental health , nursing , geography , surgery , archaeology
Background: A suitable sun safety educational program could help the public avoid sun exposure‐induced skin damage. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a sun safety program on volunteers in outdoor venues and explore the most effective sun safety education method in China. Methods: An intervention program was implemented to raise knowledge and behavior regarding sun exposure among volunteers in the outdoor competition venues in Beijing, China. Five intervention methods were used, including class education, free sunscreen samples, pamphlets, posters, and newsletters. The self‐administered multiple‐choice questionnaires were administered before and after the intervention. Results: Two hundred and eighty‐five subjects were enrolled, including 107 males (37.5%) and 178 females (62.5%). The intervention group showed improvement in sun safety knowledge and behavior. Other improvements were achieved in the field of sun safety awareness and intended behavior, with most of the items achieving no statistically significant differences. Subgroup A (multi‐component interventions, including class education, free sunscreen samples, and written materials) achieved better results than subgroup B (written materials only) to improve sun safety knowledge and awareness. Conclusion: Sun safety education could improve volunteer 's sun safety knowledge and behavior in the outdoor venues in China. Multi‐component interventions proved to be the most effective sun safety education method.